RIO DE JANEIRO - Tennis world No 1 Rafael Nadal has signed a deal with the sports marketing agency owned by Brazilian football legend Ronaldo.

Nadal's management firm Goramendi Siglo XXI has agreed to allow Ronaldo's company, 9ine non-exclusive image rights for commercial contracts in Brazil.

"Nadal is much more than a new partner. He is an idol that we have come to admire for his great talent on the court and for the person that he is. I'm a big fan," Ronaldo said in a statement on Thursday.

The Spaniard is a keen supporter of Ronaldo's former club Real Madrid and the pair renewed acquaintances during last week's Rio Open.

Nadal won the event by defeating Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov in the final, conquering a new legion of fans in the process.

"We target the best players in all sports," 9ine's director general Marcus Buaiz said.

"There is no doubt that Nadal brings excellent advertising opportunities, especially due to the proximity of the Rio 2016 Olympics."