Two of the best tennis players in the world, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, are set to play an exhibition match in Colombia’s capital city Bogota next March.
The match will take place on March 21st, at a location that is yet to be defined. The Coliseo el Campín and the bull ring are mentioned as possible spots for the event.
Sports marketing company Imla de Colombia confirmed the news after months of trying to find a date that would suit both players.
“The project started in March, as we aimed to have Rafael Nadal put this game in his agenda for 201,” company manager Manuel Maté said.
“In September we met with his agent and we started to look for a date during the months in which he is active, one that would be approved by the ATP and not cause a conflict with other commitments.”
After reaching an agreement with Nadal, Imla began the search for a worthy opponent and found Serbian star Novak Djokovic.
Nadal is currently first in the world, while Djokovic occupies the third spot in the current ATP ranking. The Spaniard won nine Grand Slams and an Olympic Gold medal, Djokovic won one grand slam and reached the final twice more.
According to Maté, there is another reason for Nadal’s wish to come to Colombia for the first time. The 24-year-old recently recorded a music video with Colombian singer Shakira. “That is another factor for him. It is no coincidence that they did this video together, and that forms a real connection with this country.”