The Majorcan was eliminated in the round of 16 of the ATP in Madrid and the Spanish public honored him with a standing ovation: “Crazy adventure”
Chilling tribute to Rafael Nadal after the last match of his career at the Madrid Open. The Majorcan was eliminated in the round of 16 of the tournament Madrid Masters 1000 from the Czech Liri Lehecka with the score 7-5 6-4 and after the match he took the microphone to greet the spectators and thank them for their support of this year’s tournament and in all previous editions. Celebrated with a trophy and a standing ovation from the public, Nadal was moved by the five banners celebrating his five successes at the Caja Magica: “It’s a difficult day, but my body has been sending me signals for a long time. I’m happy to have finished on the pitch my adventure here, I will carry the emotion of playing in front of you with me forever.”
The entire center at the feet of the legend Rafa, Cholo Simeone was also moved in the stands and Nadal added: “It was a very positive week for me, I had the opportunity to play on this court which has given me so much. A few days before Barcelona I didn’t know if I could compete again. It’s been an incredible journey and I’ve been coming here since 2003, it’s a tour that started when I was little and I remember with enormous emotion the first victory in 2005. I’ve always had incredible support from the public and I can’t help but thank you. When your body no longer gives you answers there is little you can do.”
Nadal then continued to speak without being able to hold back his tears: “Playing for 22 years in front of you was something unforgettable. It was a dream for me to be able to make tennis my job. I feel privileged for everything that I have had and I hope I have been a positive example for everyone. The trophies are important, but it is even more important to experience the emotions next to you. It is my last time in Madrid and my whole life passes before me . It was right to end up on the pitch.”
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