Nadal says goodbye to Madrid event
MADRID—Twenty-two time Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal fell, 7-5, 6-4, to Czech Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round of the Madrid Open on Tuesday, marking his final appearance in the tournament he has won five times.
In just over two hours, a feisty Lehecka thwarted Nadal’s hopes of reaching his 100th Masters 1000 quarterfinal after a fairytale run in only his second tournament since January as the Spaniard struggled with injury.
Nadal has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season.“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,” the 37-year-old Nadal said in an on-court interview. “It has been unforgettable, and I can only say ‘thank you.’ It has been an incredible journey. It’s very difficult, but life and my body have been sending signals to me for a long time.“I have been fortunate to turn my passion into my job. I am privileged,” he said before organizers honored him with a trophy and unfurled banners paying tribute to his five Madrid titles.
“It’s amazing. For me to share the court with such a legendary player is a dream come true. I always wished to have this happen. I’m very grateful to achieve such a big moment,” Lehecka said. —Reuters
