SUMMARY
- Nadal and Alcaraz's private session fee, sparks debate on tennis commercialization.
- Mouratoglou's humorous reaction highlights the exorbitant prices, signaling concerns.
Tennis enthusiasts eager to learn from the best are presented with a unique opportunity to engage in private sessions with Grand Slam superstars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. However, this exclusive privilege comes with a staggering price tag, as individuals must shell out a whopping six-figure sum to participate in these coveted training sessions.
Set against the backdrop of the upcoming Netflix Slam live event, where Nadal and Alcaraz will showcase their skills in an exhibition match, these private sessions offer a rare chance for fans to get direct insights from these two Spanish tennis legends. Taking place at the luxurious Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, the Netflix Slam promises an electrifying showdown.
Amidst the excitement surrounding the event, tickets are in high demand, with some enthusiasts opting to splurge on private sessions for a more intimate learning experience. However, the exorbitant cost of these private sessions, as high as $1,50,000 with either Rafael Nadal or Carlos Alcaraz for a one-on-one session, has raised eyebrows, particularly within the tennis community.
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Who is paying 150K for a session with Nadal / Alcaraz or any tennis player? 😨 insane pic.twitter.com/eQ0WybWrKz
— Puneet (@TennisPuneet) February 21, 2024
Patrick Mouratoglou, renowned as the former coach of Serena Williams and known for his expertise in tennis coaching, couldn’t help but express amusement at the staggering price tag attached to Nadal and Alcaraz’s private session at the Netflix Slam. With his own coaching sessions priced at $7,500 per session, Mouratoglou humorously remarked, “I found more expensive than me!”
I found more expensive than me! 😅 https://t.co/ejUFEQOSPc
— Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou) February 21, 2024
Such a comment underlines the exceptional brand value and appeal of Nadal and Alcaraz, who have commanded such unprecedented sums for a personal rendezvous with them. The fact that Nadal and Alcaraz are charging such exorbitant fees has sparked criticism and resentment among fans, who feel exploited by their favorite players.
Fans outrage over Spanish duos sky-rocketing fee
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are gearing up for the Netflix Slam, streamed exclusively live on March 3. However, the staggering prices for group and private sessions have caused an uproar among fans. Screenshots posted by Functional Tennis on Instagram reveal that a private session with Nadal or Alcaraz costs a jaw-dropping $150,000 per person, similarly, group sessions are priced at $50,000.
This pricing drew criticism, especially aimed at Nadal, with fans expressing disbelief and disappointment over the exorbitant fees. While some found humor in the situation, joking about the absurdity of paying such unreasonable amounts for a tennis lesson, others condemned the players for their greed.
This is insane. Both of these players are billionaires but are charging $150k each for a coaching session? Wouldn’t it be better to give free coaching sessions to kids or from low income or deprived families?
Important to give back and not always take. Poor taste from them imo.
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) February 21, 2024
Critics argued that Nadal and Alcaraz, both wealthy players, should be giving back to the community instead of exploiting their fans for financial gain. One fan pointedly remarked, “This is insane… Would it be better to give free coaching sessions to kids or from low-income families? Important to give back and not always take.”
Moreover, fans were vocal about their disillusionment with the direction tennis is heading, with one fan expressing, “It’s disheartening to see the sport become so commercialized and driven by profit. At least Federer and Serena retired with dignity.” Others shared similar feelings, reflecting on how tennis is becoming more about making money and taking advantage of fans’ loyalty.