Rafa Nadal has bid farewell to the Madrid tournament after a two-set defeat against Lehecka (5-7, 4-6) in the round of 16 of the Spanish Masters 1000. A defeat that translates into a goodbye to the red clay of Madrid for the legendary Majorcan tennis player who, at the end of the match, greeted everyone, visibly moved. The response from everyone in the stands was extraordinary: standing ovation and general emotion.
His mother, sister, and girlfriend were also present and witnessed Rafa's last farewell to the city that he holds dear and that represented the tournament in which he won the most matches in his career, 59, and where he triumphed five times. Rafa received a gift, a celebratory choreography narrating his victories in Madrid. The organization honored Nadal with a career trophy. However, Rafa announced his presence in Rome, with his mind, however, on Roland-Garros where he hopes to end a fantastic career in style.
Nadal's Last Time in Madrid: His Words
When he spoke, he made light of it, Rafa, thanking everyone and trying to make light of the situation: "It was a joke, I'll return next year".
Madrid 🫶 loves Rafa.#MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/SujUPbFX3X
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) May 1, 2024
"I say thank you to those who have helped me throughout my career. It's not over yet. You have given me something special: the emotion gifted by Madrid, I have been fortunate to do the job I love, to have lived the life I have lived".
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