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Tears when saying goodbye to Nadal
Rafael Nadal lost in the round of 16 in Madrid and was then emotionally celebrated by the fans. It was the clay court king’s last appearance in the “Caja Magica”.
This appearance is already the defining moment of the ATP tournament in Madrid. Rafael Nadal said goodbye to his fans in the Spanish capital in a memorable way late in the evening.
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After the 5:7, 4:6 defeat against his 15-year-younger opponent Jiri Lehecka from the Czech Republic, the 37-year-old addressed emotional words to the audience, in which many spectators had tears in their eyes – including his wife Maria and his sister Mariabel had tears in their eyes.
“It’s one of those moments that is very difficult once it’s there. But my life and body have been sending signals for a long time. My dream was to end it here on the pitch,” said the crowd favorite, who had previously struggled in vain against defeat in front of 13,000 enthusiastic fans.
Nadal’s mother, sister and wife became emotional
Nadal was number 1 for 209 weeks
“I have been fortunate throughout my life to be able to turn my passion into my career. I am privileged,” emphasized Nadal, who was then honored by the organizer with five large banners and the inscription “Gracias, Rafa”.
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“When I look at the pictures (on the banners), some of them seem to be from a lifetime ago,” said the Spaniard, who was ranked No. 1 in the world for 209 weeks in his career.
“I can only thank everyone who has supported me in my career. Even though it’s not over yet, today will be my last time in Madrid. You have given me a gift over the last 21 years that is more meaningful than any Grand Slam I have won. The emotions of playing in Madrid in front of the Spanish fans will remain in my memory forever,” said the five-time tournament winner, thanking his fans.
Nadal leaves French Open participation open
After three victories in the Spanish capital, Nadal was visibly running out of energy late on Tuesday evening. He left it open whether the 22-time Grand Slam winner from Spain would compete again at “his” French Open in Paris (from May 26th).
Rafael Nadal is farewelled with five banners
“If I arrive in Paris the way I feel today, I won’t play,” Nadal said before the tournament in Madrid. He has won the French Open 14 times; no other player in tennis history has triumphed so often at a Grand Slam.
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This year the Olympic Games tennis tournament will also take place at the Bois de Boulogne facility. For Nadal, the Summer Games in Paris could be the last major highlight of his career.
“Today was a moving, unforgettable day, but my career continues. “I have personal goals in the next few weeks and I want to see if I have a chance of achieving them,” said Nadal.
with sports information service (SID)