Rafael Nadal to launch tennis academy

Cape Town - Rafael Nadal will officially open a tennis academy at his sports centre on his native island of Mallorca later this month.

The centre will feature no less than 26 regulation size courts of various surfaces, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a gym and a restaurant exclusively for academy users.

Students can also stay at the hotel at the academy and make use of the sports clinic to treat any injuries. 

"I don't know if it's going to be my last academy, but for me the most important thing is to build the first one here," the 14-time grand slam winner told CNN.

"It's where I live, where I'm going to live, and it's the only chance to really be involved with the project. Having the academy here, I'm here every day so I can see, I can be close to the kids, I can be close to the coaches. I can really enjoy all the process."