Emotional Rafael Nadal bids adieu to Madrid Open, says, "it's been an incredible journey... "

22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal became emotional after his defeat in the fourth round of the Madrid Open as he was playing for the last time in this tournament and on this court. 

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After the defeat, Nadal said, “The only thing I can say is ‘thank you’. It’s been an incredible journey that started when I was little. I came to Madrid for the first time in 2003, when the tournament was played indoors. The first time I came here feeling competitive was in 2005. It was one of the most exciting wins of my career, still indoors. Ever since the support has been unconditional from everyone. I cannot thank you enough.”

Nadal lost to Jiri Lehka

Rafael Nadal bid farewell to the fans at the Madrid Open, the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, after a 5-7, 4-6 fourth-round loss to Czech player Jiri Lehka, which he has won five times during his illustrious career. After the match, Madrid said goodbye to its greatest champion and raised banners marking their five titles in 2005, 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2017.

“It’s been a very special week for me, very positive in many ways, both personally and for my tennis. I had the chance to play again on court. A few weeks ago, two days before Barcelona, I didn’t know if I would compete in an official match again and I’ve now played two weeks. It’s been unforgettable.” Nadal said on the court.

This win would have meant number 60 for the Spaniard, but his tally will now always stand at 59 Madrid Open wins and just 15 losses since his first match against Àlex Corretja at the Madrid Arena in 2003.

“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. I can only say thank you.” Nadal added.

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It remains to be seen if the 14-time Roland Garros champion will deem himself physically prepared to ­compete in the Paris Olympics 2024, but he has given himself a solid foundation to build on as the tour heads to the Italian Open in Rome next week.