Rafael Nadal's Sports Center, a tennis academy sponsored by Movistar, is set to open in May 2016.

The international high-performance tennis center hopes to attract young tennis enthusiasts (aged between 8 to 17 years old) from all over the world. The center is reported to incorporate three core areas: (i) an educational area for schooling, (ii) tennis training center, and (iii) hall of residence or dormitory.

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The facility will have 26 courts, sport museum, classrooms, and accommodations of 140 international students to develop their game as they continue their studies, skySPORTS reported.

The center will also be the headquarter for the Rafael Nadal Foundation which supports underprivileged children and encourages sports as a way to promote confidence and enhance self-esteem.

According to Rafael Nadal, Manacor gives him "great pleasure" to be able to open a world-class tennis academy there. The former world no. 1 is enthusiastic in promoting sports in his country and keen to give something back to his community.

The tennis center will be created in collaboration with Mallorca's top tennis star Nadal and will also carry his name. Rafael Nadal will cover 5% of the total cost involved in building the center and pledged the use of a 3.500 m² green area next to the center for public use, abcMallorca reported.

The said project is expected to require an investment of about 20 million euros. The government of Mallorca stressed that the benefits of such a sporting excellence will bring to the island.

On the other hand, the 14^th-time Grand Slam champion said earlier the he is already excited and so much happy that this long-term project has finally became a reality. He said that the plan is to begin with a summer camp 2016.

Tagsrafael nadal, Rafael Nadal Academy, Manacor, International Tennis Center, Tennis Enthusiasts