Rafael Nadal played his final match at the Madrid Masters on Tuesday with the king of clay going out in the fourth-round to Czech Jiri Lehecka 7-5, 6-4.
Nadal, 37, a five-time champion and winner of 59 matches at the home event, was unable to match the pace of his 22-year-old opponent, winner of the Adelaide title in January.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner was low on energy after a three-hour battle the day before as he played in only his third event this season due to an abdominal muscle injury.
A grateful crowd gave the 37-year-old icon an emotional send off to end his wrap up appearance here.
“I’m lucky to have lived the life I’ve had,” he said in the post-match ceremony which brought tears to the female members of his family. “I couldn’t ask for anything jore
“I’m in love with this sport and proud of the emotion we have created (over the years).
“It’s a difficult day for me, but life has been giving me signs that it’s getting time to end.”
Nadal last lost to a player ranked outside the Top 20 – Lehecka is 31st – in 2016 when he was beaten in Rio by Pablo Cuevas.
Nadal first played Madrid in 2003 and won the first of his quintet of trophies in 2005.
Lehecka was honoured to have been a part of the historic match.
‘It was amazing to share the court with such a legend,” the Czech said. “It’a a dream come true.
“I always wished this would happen. I’m also very grateful at what I achieved in such a big moment.
“It was a bittersweet win. The energy inside here was amazing and I’m happy to be through to the quarters.”
Main photo:- Rafa bids farewell to Madrid Masters – by Corinne Dubreuil/ATPTour.com
