'Emotional' Rafael Nadal Knocked Out Of Madrid Open By Jiri Lehecka
NDTV
Rafael Nadal bade an emotional farewell to the Madrid Open on Tuesday after crashing out in the last 16 to Jiri Lehecka in the Spanish star's last ever appearance at the tournament.
Rafael Nadal bade an emotional farewell to the Madrid Open on Tuesday after crashing out in the last 16 to Jiri Lehecka in the Spanish star's last ever appearance at the tournament. The 37-year-old 22-time Grand Slam singles champion -- winner of a record five Madrid Open titles -- bowed out 7-5, 6-4 to the 30th-seeded Czech Lehecka. "I'm happy. It was a very special week for me, very positive and very emotional. I had the opportunity to play one more time here on this court," Nadal said in his on court interview.
Nadal hasn't decided when he plans to hang up his racquet this season but the former world number one's retirement is fast approaching.
Numerous physical issues have hampered him over the past two years and he will make the call on whether he will compete at Roland Garros later this month.
A special ceremony was held on Manolo Santana Stadium after Tuesday's match, with banners suspended above the stands with the words "Gracias Rafa" and signifying the years in which he has won the Madrid tournament.
"This was a joke, because I'll be back next year," quipped Nadal, his family watching on from the stands. "All I can say is thank you to everyone that has helped me in my career. It hasn't finished yet.
