Plans have been submitted to create Rafael Nadal’s first tennis academy outside of his homeland of Manacor.
Under proposals put forward by the team of the world No.1, he wants to open up a tennis centre in Boca Raton, Florida. The exact location is Patch Reef Park. A 55-acre facility that has both passive and recreational facilities. Under the plans, the facility could feature at least 37 tennis courts, four restaurants and a pro shop.
On April 2nd drawings of the proposed venue was shown to members at a local council meeting. During that session there was no representative from the Nadal academy present. There has already been some backlash to Nadal’s plan with critics arguing that the venue is too big and is unsuitable for an area that is classed as a public park. District Chairman Robert Rollins Jr. has also expressed his concerns.
“We’ll take your opinions seriously,” Rollins said at the meeting, according to The Sun Sentinel. “This mega plan is too big for our park. And unless they’re willing to scale it down, I’m getting a negative.”
It has been reported that if it is given the green light, 60% of the academy would be for public use and 40% for the Nadal federation. Furthermore, it is projected that the park would earn $1.5 million per year in revenue. It is unclear as to how much space the new facility would take up.
Later this month a junior tournament supported by the Nadal academy will take place at the existing tennis centre in Patch Reef Park. The world No.1 himself will not be there as he continues his preparations for the upcoming French Open.
In 2016 Nadal opened his maiden academy in Manacor. That facility currently has 26 tennis counts of different surfaces (both indoor and outdoor), two swimming pools, one fitness centre and one mini football pitch.
There has been no agreement between the two parties over the proposed venue in Florida. Meanwhile, Nadal is yet to comment on the venture himself.
