From correspondents in Paris, France, 04:32 PM IST

Rafael Nadal is following in the footsteps of friend and rival Roger Federer, as his new charitable foundation announced plans to establish a tennis school in India, which is due to come online in a year.

The 23-year-old Spaniard's academy for children will be located in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, according to local media. So far, officials says that word of mouth has resulted in 135 pre-registrations for a school which will feature four tennis courts.

Like Federer, Nadal will use his mother as primary link to the charity project, with Ana Maria Parera chairing the foundation.

Federer's foundation does work in South Africa, homeland of his mother Lynette.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)