Rafael Nadal’s Madrid Open run ended with an emotional straight-sets defeat to Czech youngster Jiri Lehecka under the roof on Caja Magica.
In front of a passionate home crown hoping to see the five-time champion conjure a fairy-tale run deep into the second week in what is expected to be his last appearance at the event, 30th seed Lehecka spoiled the party with a 7-5 6-4 victory in just over two hours.
Immediately after the match Nadal said farewell to fans in an on-court interview as the tournament unfurled five banners marking each of his five victories in 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2017.
“This is one of those days that when it arrives, it’s very tough, but life and my body have been sending me signals for a long time,” he said. “The dream was to finish here on court. I have been fortunate in my life to turn my passion into my job, I am privileged.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion arrived in Madrid saying he wasn’t fully fit and was worried about his condition, but in the end was celebrating having won three consecutive matches without showing significant physical limitations.
Nadal had only one break opportunity against the big-serving Lehecka who has now won all his three matches in straight sets.