Five-time Mutua Madrid Open winner Rafael Nadal finally bid adieu to his home court today. This Spanish tennis legend previously announced that this ATP Masters 1000 tour was going to be his last attempt at Madrid. While Nadal started his tour with a bang following three consecutive victories, he finally had to exit the championship, followed by a defeat in the quarterfinals.

Rafael Nadal had a turbulent start to this season following his withdrawal from many prestigious tours like the Australian Open or Indian Wells due to physical discomfort. Now that this ATP star’s days of performing on Madrid’s clay court are gone, Nadal delves deeper into his feelings about it.

Emotional Rafael Nadal accepts “It’s a difficult day” after ending his Madrid tour with sadness

Rafael Nadal had to end his Mutua Madrid Open tour after Czech Republican player Jiri Lehecka outperformed him to move to the tour’s semifinals. Lehecka defeated the Spanish ATP star 7-5 and 6-4 to end Nadal’s last hope of winning one more Madrid Open trophy. Emotional about this whole journey, Nadal’s comments expressed his sadness. A reliable source shared his statement on their X (formerly Twitter) profile. According to them, Rafa said, “It’s a difficult day but my body has given me signals that I should stop and finishing here has given me so much pleasure.”

Another reliable source added how emotional Nadal was spotted after the match as he was holding back his tears. Sharing Nadal’s gesture, this source wrote, “Rafa Nadal, very excited, speaking at his farewell tribute in Madrid. ‘It’s been an incredible journey.'” 

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Nadal continued speaking about how special he felt playing on his home tour’s clay court. He further mentioned, “It is very special for me, I have had the opportunity to play again on this court that has given me so much. When I left for Barcelona I did not know if I would be able to compete again. It has been an unforgettable week. Honestly the only thing I can do is give thanks.”

Rafael Nadal’s Madrid tour comes to an end with a heavy heart. While fans are disappointed to see Nadal lose this tour on his final attempt, they are more sad thinking this season is Nadal’s final career season. Junior ATP star from Nadal’s home country Carlos Alcaraz shared his thoughts on how the tennis scene will be for him without Rafael Nadal.

Alcaraz thinks “no one wants to imagine the circuit ” without the presence of Rafael Nadal

Among Nadal’s many fans, Spanish tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz remained a dedicated one who never failed to admit his love and admiration for the Spanish legend. Alcaraz was recently asked about his thoughts on Rafa’s retirement and the ATP star surprised the fraternity with his response. Alcaraz said, “I don’t want to imagine it yet. Like every fan of Rafa, of tennis, no one wants to imagine the circuit without Rafa.” 

More than being depressed about Rafa’s last season, Carlos wished to cherish every moment he would get to see Nadal play on the court before his final match. “Personally speaking, I want to enjoy Rafa as much as possible, every time he enters the court, every time he can compete. Every time he can do it, I’m going to be there to enjoy it. That’s what we have to think about, not about the afterlife. but to live in the moment.“

Rafael Nadal’s emotional message on ending his Mutua Madrid Open tour made all of his fans very emotional. Following this Spanish legend’s last Madrid attempt, decade-long fanboying and excitement for the crowd have finally come to an end.