MADRID: In a surprising turn of events at the Madrid Open, tennis legend Rafael Nadal faced a heartbreaking defeat in the fourth round, marking his final appearance at a tournament he has triumphed in five times. The 22-time Grand Slam champion fell 7-5 6-4 to Czech player Jiri Lehecka, who displayed remarkable prowess on the court.
Despite Nadal’s hopes of reaching his 100th Masters 1000 quarter-final, Lehecka’s spirited performance dashed those aspirations. In just over two hours of intense gameplay, Nadal, grappling with injury, struggled to keep pace with his opponent’s relentless attacks.
Reflecting on his remarkable career and the emotional conclusion to his journey at the Madrid Open, Nadal expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of fans and the opportunity to compete on a court that holds profound significance for him.
“I’m happy. It was a very special week for me, very positive in every way. I was able to play again on a court that has given me a lot, also on an emotional level,” shared the 37-year-old Nadal during an on-court interview, amidst an emotional crowd.
