Rafael Nadal could easily have chosen a quiet life after one of the greatest sporting careers the world has ever known, leaving his grand slams and inspiration to the next generation as his legacy.

But a gentle retirement was never likely to be the Spaniard’s way, with a range of business interests, tennis academies and a foundation bearing his name, his second act may, in its own way, prove even more influential than the first.

There are, as Nadal told the Post in an exclusive interview, “plenty of projects, plenty of things to do”, coupled with a drive to create opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In the city for the first time last week, Nadal already has an established relationship in Hong Kong with his tennis academy in Sai Kung. A gala ball this weekend marked the start of his foundation’s presence.

“I achieved my dream because I had the opportunity to achieve my dream,” Nadal said. “Because I was born in a good family and they were able to give me the right education, the right bases and platform to develop myself.

“So, we [his foundation] have the goal to try to create places where the kids can see a different world. We try to take them out from the street, from this negative atmosphere. Bring them to a positive atmosphere, with a healthy community, with teachers, with all the kids, and through sport and education we believe we can change futures.”