From chasing titles to building businesses: Tennis legend Rafa Nadal on his next act

After chasing titles and trophies for more than two decades, tennis legend Rafa Nadal retired from the professional sport in 2024. Now he is dedicating his time to multiple business ventures. But this second act as an entrepreneur did not begin overnight. Nadal has long been laying the foundation for a business portfolio that spans health, sport and education.

In this episode of "CNBC Meets," the 22-time Grand Slam champion speaks with host Tania Bryer about being at peace with his retirement from competitive tennis, the multimillion-dollar deal to help grow his tennis academy and his excitement about building a hospitality business.Â

At the opening of his latest hotel in Spain's Canary Islands, Nadal explains why years of traveling for tournaments inspired the move and how his brand Zel — a joint venture with Meliá Hotels International — was developed on the back of a napkin over lunch with Meliá's Chairman & CEO, Gabriel Escarrer.

He also shares his thoughts on tennis today, from player rivalries to prize money.Â