The Spanish legend has everyone in the stadium in tears after his speech.
Lehecka proved too powerful for the 37-year-old Spaniard, defeating him 7-5, 6-4 in straight sets. Lehecka permitted the Spaniard to spend time on the court following his loss against Nadal, who was given a farewell by the tournament’s officials after winning it five times.
The Madrid Open saw Nadal’s loss as likely his final appearance in the Spanish city as a player, despite the fact that Nadal has not announced his retirement from the sport. Many fans believe this is Nadal’s final year of tennis, and they celebrate each match as if it were his last. “I’m happy,” Nadal stated after his loss.
“It was a very unique week for me—extremely joyful and emotional. I had the opportunity to play one more on this court. All I can say is thank you to everyone who has supported me during my career. It’s not finished yet.”
Rafa Nadal in sad admission after Madrid ceremony
And Nadal was honored with a banner for his achievements on clay in Madrid, as supporters cheered for the Spaniard despite the fact that he might not return. A tribute video for the 22-time Grand Slam champion aired, and he couldn’t help but make a sorrowful and cheeky statement. “This is a joke…next year I’ll be back,” Nadal joked as the crowd laughed.
Nadal went on to say, “What you’ve given me here is a gift. The sensation I feel from this trip in Madrid, from the Spanish people… As a child, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work at my favorite job. I feel really fortunate to have lived the life that I have. I couldn’t ask for anything else.”
Despite Nadal’s upbeat spirit, those in his player’s box were in tears. His sister and wife were wiping away tears as fans cheered knowing it would be the final farewell for Nadal in Madrid.
Rafa Nadal waves goodbye to the crowd in Madrid for the very last time.
Listen to that noise.
That’s the sound of 13,000 people who’ve been inspired & moved by what this man has given to the sport for so many years.
A king leaving his kingdom. 👑🥹
pic.twitter.com/eK5ZxseVzq— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 30, 2024
We will never see Rafael Nadal as a tennis player in Madrid again.
👋 Rafa
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) April 30, 2024
Madrid Open honors Rafa Nadal by bringing him a trophy after playing his final match ever in Madrid.
A legend in his victories.
A legend in his losses.
A career & a legacy that will live on forever.
A beautiful gesture from the tournament. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/CfiDsVtVvn
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 30, 2024
Thankful that we all, Rafael Nadal included, went through some sort of a dress rehearsal before Roland-Garros collectively shatters us pic.twitter.com/P0eyUh38up
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) April 30, 2024
Nadal will now compete in the Italian Open before moving on to what could be his farewell competition at Roland Garros. The Spaniard has won Roland Garros an unprecedented 14 times. Nadal has confessed that he would prefer to compete at the Olympics in Paris, which may be his final competition.
However, many believe Roland Garros would be an ideal site for him to end his career. Despite conjecture, Rafael Nadal has been nominated to Team Europe for the Rod Laver Cup later this year. Nadal seemed eager to play following his clay court campaign, but only he knows.