Rafael Nadal, who retired from competitive tennis in November 2024, has launched his fourth hotel in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, under his Zel Hotels brand, which he started in partnership with Meliá Hotels International in 2022. This expansion follows the opening of hotels in Mallorca, Costa Brava, and Punta Cana.
Nadal expressed that his experience in sports has equipped him with valuable lessons for business, such as managing frustration and teamwork. He noted the increasing consumer preference for experiential spending, which makes hospitality a promising investment area.
Nadal also addressed the recent resolution of a prize money dispute among tennis players, highlighting Wimbledon’s 20% increase in prize money to £64.2 million. He advocated for a structured agreement between players and Grand Slam tournaments to ensure fair compensation linked to revenue growth.
Additionally, Nadal's business interests extend beyond hospitality to education and sports, including the Rafa Nadal Academy, which he partially sold to GPF Capital for approximately €94 million, while retaining majority control. His investments reflect a commitment to promoting well-being and sports education, indicating a strategic approach to building a lasting legacy beyond his tennis career