Rafael Nadal launches new branch of his tennis centre in Hong Kong, says he's "very excited" about the new project

Rafael Nadal's academy has opened its latest branch in Hong Kong, as confirmed by a recent update from the 21-time Major champion himself. The Rafa Nadal Academy (RNA) already has branches in Mallorca and Kuwait and has now spread its wings into Southeast Asia.

However, it is pertinent to note that the branch in Hong Kong will be similar to those in the Mexican Caribbean (Costa Mujeres) and the Halkidiki peninsula (one of the biggest tourist destinations in Greece). These are tennis complexes situated within state-of-the-art resorts in popular holiday destinations.

The move to open a branch in Hong Kong has been made to boost the sports tourism industry in the nation.

Rafael Nadal expressed his delight at the opening of the latest branch of his tennis centre. He also reiterated his goal of expanding to as many countries as possible.

“We’re very excited about this new international project in Hong Kong," Nadal said on his academy's website. "Since the academy opened in Mallorca 5 years ago, we have always been interested in expanding our methodology to other countries in order to reach as many people as possible.

"The facilities are spectacular, and we’ll have great coaches at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre" - Rafael Nadal

The goal of the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Hong Kong will be to bring world-class tennis coaching to the Asian nation to help the sport grow.

The Spaniard expressed his gratitude to the Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy for supporting the project. He also promised state-of-the-art facilities at the newest branch of his tennis centre.

"To us, having trusted members is essential and therefore I would like to thank the HKGTA for their great confidence in the project," the Spaniard said. "The facilities are spectacular and we’ll have great coaches at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre. I’m sure it will be a success and that, bit by bit, we’ll be able to continue our international expansion."

The tennis programs will be based on the career experiences of none other than Rafael Nadal and his coaching staff.

Coaches from the Spaniard's academy in Manacor have also shifted to Hong Kong so that they can directly implement the program while training the local coaches in their system.