Nadal, the emotional greeting from Madrid: “A beautiful journey”

The progress of the match was interrupted in the round of 16 Rafael Nadal in Madrid. The Spanish champion, former world number one, was beaten in two sets (7-5 ​​6-4) by the Czech Use Lehecka. “It’s not over yet but I’m grateful for what I had,” Nadal said at the end of the match.

Nadal, five victories in Madrid

It was an emotional farewell that Madrid gave to Nadal, who holds the highest number of victories (59) and titles (five) in the history of the tournament on the red clay of the Spanish capital: “It was a very special week for me, very positive and very exciting. I had the opportunity to play on this pitch once again,” said the Majorcan.

Nadal: “After Rome I will decide for Roland Garros”

Nadal has not yet decided exactly when he will stop playing this season, but the retirement of the 22-time Grand Slam champion is very close. There are many physical problems that are now plaguing him and that have hindered him in the last two years. “I will try to play in Rome. A very special tournament in my career, which I won 10 times. I dreamed of playing all these tournaments again, I missed Monte Carlo. But now I want to play in Rome. And do it well. After Rome I will decide for Roland Garros” said Rafa, who has triumphed 14 times in Paris.

The Madrid tribute

At the end of the match against Lehecka the audience at the Caja Magica paid homage and greeted Nadal with a choreography that celebrated his victories in Madrid and a video accompanied by the Gladiator soundtrack. “It was a joke, because I’ll be back next year,” Nadal said laughing, as his family watched from the stands. “I can only say thank you to all those who have helped me in my career – he added – It’s not over yet. It was a gift what you gave me here. The emotion that this experience in Madrid gives me, from the Spanish audience… I was lucky as a kid to do the job I love. I feel super lucky to have lived the life I’ve lived.”