As incredible as it might sound, Rafael Nadal played his final Madrid Open, and he received an emotional tribute after his final match.
Everything in the Spanish capital was centered around this year's Madrid Open, possibly being the last time Nadal will play here. He said it out loud; he said that it was the final time he would play at the event, as incredible as it sounds.
The match was scheduled for 21:30 local time, ensuring a packed crowd, and we saw many familiar faces there. Nadal battled Jiri Lehecka and lost in two sets, after which there was a ceremony.
The Spanish legend received a beautiful tribute, and he spoke to the crowd as part of that ceremony, spotlighting how he feels as his journey in tennis likely comes to an end.
"It has been a very special week for me, very positive in many ways. I have had the opportunity to play on this court again. It has been very special on a sporting level and on an emotional level."
Only days before competing at the Barcelona Open, the Spaniard didn't know whether he would step on a tennis court again, and only a couple of weeks later, he was able to leave Madrid with three wins.
"A few weeks ago, two days before Barcelona, I didn't know if I would be able to compete in an official match again and I played for two weeks. It has been unforgettable."
The Madrid Open was the tournament that Nadal got to play even when it was an indoor hard-court tournament, and he remembered also those time during his emotional speech.
"The only thing I can do is say thank you. It has been an incredible journey that started when I was little. I came to Madrid for the first time in 2003."
"Then, the first time I came competitively was in 2005, when the tournament was still played indoors, and I achieved one of the most exciting victories of my career. Until today it has only been unconditional support from everyone."