Spanish Tennis Star, Rafael Nadal’s Madrid Open Run ended with a straight-sets defeat to Czech Youngster Jiri Lehecka under the roof on Caja Magica.
In front of a passionate home crowd hoping to see the five-time champion continue into the second week in what is expected to be his last appearance at the event, 30th seed Lehecka spoiled the party with a 7-5 6-4 victory in just over two hours.
Immediately after the match, Nadal said farewell to fans in an on-court interview as the tournament rolled out five banners marking each of his five victories in 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2017.
Meanwhile, Nadal’s countryman Carlos Alcaraz was pushed to the limit but found the answers to overcome a spirited Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (7-4) in a repeat of last year’s final.
The 20-year-old is aiming to become the first player in history to win three straight titles at the ATP Masters 1000 event.
