Rafael Nadal presumably played his final match at the Mutua Madrid Open and his final match at home in Spain on Tuesday night. The 37-year-old’s impressive, farewell run came to an end in the form of a 7-5, 6-4 fourth-round loss to Jiri Lehecka.
Nadal, who plans to retire at some point this season, had advanced with wins over Darwin Blanch, Alex de Minaur, and Pedro Cachin. However, the 22-time Grand Slam champion needed more than three hours to get past Cachin and had no days off before facing Lehecka.
That was always going to leave Nadal in a precarious position against the in-form Czech, and sure enough it proved to be too tough of a test. Lehecka struck seven aces, served at 71 percent, won 89 percent of his first-serve points, and did not get broken a single time to power past Nadal in two hours and one minute.
“It’s amazing to share a court with such a legendary player,” the world No. 31 commented. “It’s a dream come true; I always wished for this to happen. I’m very grateful to achieve such a big moment and all the best to Rafa. It’s kind of bittersweet to have such a nice win in front of all these people who were cheering for him. The energy was amazing.”
There was an on-court ceremony for Nadal following the match.
“It is very special for me,” the five-time Madrid champion assured. “I have had the opportunity to play again on this court that has given me so much. When I left for Barcelona I did not know if I would be able to compete again. It has been an unforgettable week. Honestly the only thing I can do is give thanks.
“The first time I arrived competitively in Madrid, in 2005, it was one of the most exciting victories I have had. To this day it has only been unconditional support and affection from everyone. I can only say thank you.”
Rome and the French Open remain on Nadal’s clay-court schedule, and he is also targeting an appearance at the Olympics–which will be played this year at Roland Garros.
overall a good tournament