Rafael Nadal’s rousing, dramatic last stand on home soil came to an end just after midnight in the early hours of Wednesday as he was outhit and outplayed by Jiri Lehecka. The talented young Czech seized one of the biggest moments of his career by toppling the Spaniard 7-5, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open.
The defeat will probably mark Nadal’s final time competing at the tournament he has won a record five times, with the 37-year-old expecting 2024 to be the final year of his career.
It is very special for me,” said Nadal. “I have had the opportunity to play again on this court that has given me so much. When I left for Barcelona I did not know if I would be able to compete again. It has been an unforgettable week. The only thing I can do is give thanks.
“The first time I arrived competitively in Madrid, in 2005, it was one of the most exciting victories I have had. To this day it has only been unconditional support and affection from everyone.”
While a round of 16 defeat at any clay court event was once a blow for Nadal, after the most desperate 18 months of his career, this performance represents a significant step forward. He leaves Madrid with four matches under his belt, his body seemingly still holding firm and having made clear progress in his comeback from injury.
