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French Open

Rafael Nadal is planning to set up a tennis training school in a town in south India, the first of its kind in the world.

The World number one began the project so he could help children learn the sport, his mother Ana Maria Parera said.

She told Indian newspaper The Hindu: "We don't want mega-projects, but to keep our feet on the ground and do our bit."

Parera added that work on the venture would begin in Anantapur Sports Village, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, in September.

Four world-class clay courts are to be built by January and the academy is due to open by June.

Moncho Ferrer, associate programme director of Fundacion Rafa Nadal (the Rafael Nadal Foundation), explained: "There have been 135 registrations so far for admission to the academy, which will be restricted to children above the age of eight."

The facility would aim to host district, state and national-level tournaments, Ferrer said, adding that students' progress would be monitored constantly during the year-long training.

Parera, who is also the president of the Fundacion Rafa Nadal, said the academy would also place an emphasis on education and is hopeful it will eventually become a residential facility.

The venture also involves the Fundacion Vincente Ferrer, the Spanish arm of the Rural Development Trust - a non-profit making organisation.

Nadal's hopes of winning his fifth French Open crown were dashed when he lost to 23rd seed Robin Soderling in four sets in the fourth round on Sunday.