Nadal has previously stated that 2024 will be the final year of his iconic and trophy-laden career, which resulted in emotional emotions during the match, which would be his final professional game in his home nation.
Following his loss against the number 30 seed, the 22-time Grand Slam champion received a unique presentation on the Caja Magica court.
Five banners with the years of each of his titles in the Spanish city were unfurled (2005, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2017), and he was then shown a film of his Madrid highlights over the years.
Nadal was extremely emotional but refused to cry, while some members of his camp, including his wife and sister, were spotted crying in the stands.
While the 38-year-old admits to being impacted by the audience’s emotional response, he joked that he was less moved by his loved ones’ tears.
He said in his post-match press conference, “It gives me immense personal satisfaction. People get enthused about more than simply sports.
“It will be because I believe I have performed well, not only with the racket in hand. I hope I’ve acted responsibly almost always.”
Nadal then said of his family, laughing: “That people in my family cry… it’s normal.
“Even if I had behaved horribly, I suppose they would cry too, because they have a different affection for me than the people around me.”
After the game, the all-time great delivered a goodbye statement to his home fans on the court.
He remarked, “What you’ve done for me over the course of my 21 years here has been a blessing. All I can say is, “Thank you.”
Nadal also noted that the tournament holds a particular place in his heart, as he first achieved triumph at the clay court event in 2005, when he was only 19.
The Majorca-born legend acknowledged his gratitude: “I was able to say farewell while playing on this court, which was one of the most emotional for me.
“At times, Madrid has been more important to me than the Grand Slam. “The memories I made here will stay with me forever.”
All of us right now 🥲#MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/3ll59I2vbj
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 30, 2024
Having only recently recovered from his most recent injury in the Barcelona Open two weeks prior, Nadal said that his performance in Madrid had given him hope.
He stated, “Just two days before leaving for Barcelona, I had no idea if I’d be able to play again in an official match.
“And in the end I’ve played two weeks.”
With the Spaniard in the twilight of his career, he will be hoping to see further progress in the coming weeks.
Nadal is set to compete in the forthcoming Rome Masters, the final tournament before the French Open, where he will be looking to finish on a high note at the Grand Slam, which he has won a record 14 times.