Spain continues to celebrate its beloved champion, Rafael Nadal. Recently, he was honored with the ‘Corazón de España’ (Heart of Spain) award by Spanish NOC president Alejandro Blanco. The 22-time Grand Slam champion also received a special canvas photo from his Rio 2016 gold medal triumph, signed by members of Spain’s sporting community. Even in retirement, Nadal’s legacy keeps growing. In July 2025, a brand-new Rafa Nadal Tennis Center will open in Marbella, Spain, adding to its expansion. Find out all the details.

The new facility will be housed at the Don Carlos Hotel, making it the fourth Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in the world, following successful openings in Mexico, Greece, and Hong Kong. But this one holds extra significance—it’s on his home soil.

The Marbella Center is designed to cater to players of all ages and skill levels, featuring seven clay tennis courts and two padel courts—all with stunning ocean views. Whether beginners looking to sharpen their game or experienced players fine-tuning their technique, the center promises a world-class training experience. And there’s more than just tennis. The facility will also feature a small exhibition displaying some of Nadal’s most prized trophies, a pro shop stocked with Nike and Babolat gear, and additional padel courts for fans of the fast-growing sport.

The Spaniard himself expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “

I’m very happy that we’re officially announcing the birth of a new Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Marbella, as it also consolidates the project for the expansion of our methodology within Spain. I’m sure fans of the sport will really enjoy our courses and these wonderful facilities.”

Rafael Nadal might have stepped away from professional tennis, but his passion for the sport continues to shape the next generation. So what’s the ‘next chapter’ looking like for the former World No.1?

Rafael Nadal reveals he hasn’t ‘picked up a racket’ since retirement

It has been three months since Rafael Nadal bid farewell to professional tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga. It honored the legacy of a player with an illustrious career of 22 Grand Slams, which includes a record-breaking 14 Roland Garros titles. However, the Spaniard seems to be adjusting well to retirement. While fans might expect him to miss the competitive grind, Nadal is embracing this new phase of life.

The ‘King of Clay’ attended an event organized by the Spanish Olympic Committee in Madrid, where he was honored by athletes from various sports and generations. Speaking about life after tennis, the 38-year-old shared, “

It is very important to have objectives in life so as not to get bored. For me, the big satisfaction above everything else is to be able to retire in peace.” He further made a bold revelation, “I like being active and doing things, now is the time to organize my next chapter. At the moment, I’ve adapted well. I’m playing a bit of football, but I haven’t picked up a racket since!”

Yes, you read that right—Nadal hasn’t touched a racket since retiring. Instead, he’s been enjoying football, staying active, and focusing on his various projects, including his academy and tennis centers.

His influence on tennis remains as strong as ever, and with his academy expanding, his impact on future generations is just beginning. Who knows—will the next tennis superstar rise from one of Nadal’s very own training centers?