Pune, Sept 14 : Former World No.1 tennis player Jimmy Connors, of the US, is all set to open a tennis academy in Pune.

Connors, a winner of 8 grand slam single titles, was in India for negotiations with Pune-based Solaris Sports club to chalk out plan for the academy meant to train the budding players of the region.

"It's really the first time that I wanted to get involved in doing the tennis academy and to be involved with such group and such people that are surrounding myself here and hopefully they feel the same about me. It is something spectacular and something I wanted to do lately," said Connors.

Speaking further about formation of the academy, Connors said that the talks are in initial phase.

Jayant Pawar, owner of the club, said that the academy would be part of a larger project, which would include the building of a five star hotel, golf course and spa.

During his visit to the city, the ace champion also showed his skills with the racket as he played with trainees.

Apart from his credentials as a player, Connors has also shown his coaching skills by teaching the nuances to compatriot Andy Roddick, winner of 2003 US Open Champion.

ANI