'IT HASN'T FINISHED YET': RAFAEL NADAL QUIPS DESPITE MADRID OPEN EXIT

NEW DELHI: Jiri Lehecka dashed hopes in Madrid on Tuesday, ending Rafael Nadal's bid at the Madrid Open, marking Nadal's final appearance at the Masters 1000 tournament. Lehecka, seeded 30th, outplayed Nadal 7-5, 6-4, advancing to face Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals and preventing Nadal from making history by reaching 100 Masters 1000 quarterfinals.

Nadal suffered his first clay defeat to a player outside the top 20 since 2016, concluding his illustrious career in Madrid, where he holds the record for most wins (59) and titles (five).

Reflecting on his farewell, Nadal expressed mixed emotions, stating, "I'm happy. It was a very special week for me, very positive and very emotional. I had the opportunity to play one more time here on this court."

While Nadal's retirement looms, the 22-time Grand Slam winner remains undecided on his schedule, considering ongoing physical challenges. Even his participation in Roland Garros later this month hangs in the balance.

In a tightly contested match, Lehecka surged ahead after ten games, breaking Nadal's serve and clinching the first set. Nadal struggled to recover, conceding the second set, bidding adieu to the tournament's most decorated champion.

A poignant ceremony followed, honoring Nadal's legacy on the Manolo Santana Stadium. Banners bearing "Gracias Rafa" adorned the stands, acknowledging his triumphs over the years.

In response, Nadal, amidst his family's presence, quipped, "This was a joke, because I'll be back next year. All I can say is thank you to everyone that has helped me in my career. It hasn't finished yet."

Expressing gratitude for the unwavering support, Nadal conveyed, "It has been a gift what you've given me here. The emotion that I get from this experience in Madrid, from the Spanish public… I was lucky as a kid to do the job that I love. I feel super fortunate to have lived the life that I've lived. I couldn't ask for anything more."

(Inputs from AFP)