Tennis-star Rafael Nadal visits Buenos Aires children

BUENOS AIRES - Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal visited a poor neighborhood in Buenos Aires Thursday and exchanged a few volleys with excited children.

In a T-shirt and high socks, the 14-time grand slam champion played on clay courts with a handful of boys and then offered autographs to the 100 children who came out for the event with the star. Nadal also played doubles with the mayor of Buenos Aires, Mauricio Macri.

Nadal is in the country for the ATP Argentina Open and he had a victory Wednesday in his opening match.

The tennis complex Nadal visited is part of a social programme for 12 poor neighborhoods in the city which is known for its love of football.

Rackets and other equipment for the 300 children aged 6 to 15 who play at the complex are provided by the International Tennis Federation, organizers said.