MADRID – 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.
Nadal hasn’t decided when he plans to hang up his racket this season but the former world number one’s retirement is fast approaching.
Physical issues have hampered him over the past two years and he will make soon the call on whether he will compete at Roland Garros later this month.