Spanish legend Rafael Nadal played his last match in Madrid as he lost to Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round at the ATP Masters event. The 37-year-old received a lot of love as he bid farewell to the crowd in Madrid. Nadal was also honored for his performance over the years where he won five titles.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion also received a special trophy from tournament director Felicano Lopez. While all of this happened on the court, Spanish fans sent the stadium roof flying with their rousing applause. Nadal’s family also cherished the special moment from the player’s box.
Almost every person at the stadium had tears in their eyes. The Nadal family was also emotional seeing their superstar getting all the love from the fans. Nadal’s wife and sister were captured with their eyes filled with tears. The pictures of the teary-eyed Nadal family went viral on social media.
Rafael Nadal overwhelmed with the love in Madrid
While it was emotional for his family, Rafael Nadal himself could not control his emotions while expressing his gratitude for the love he received from the fans. Nadal could not stop thanking the crowd in Madrid as he walked down the memory lane.
He remembered the time he first competed at the tournament 21 years ago. Nadal recalled how he has received unwavering support from the fans whenever he has come to play at the Masters tournament. The Spaniard said that he could not thank the fans enough.
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. Rafael Nadal said. (H/T: ATP Tour)
Notably, the 2024 season is expected to be Nadal’s last on the tour. Although the 22-time Grand Slam champion joked about coming back again, it is highly unlikely that Nadal will play in Madrid again. The Spaniard also talked about it in his farewell speech. He rated his experience in Madrid better than a Grand Slam tournament.
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