Rafael Nadal's tearful departure brings Madrid crowd to tears

There was hardly a dry eye at the Manolo Santana stadium when the tennis legend Rafael Nadal waved an emotional farewell to fans at the Madrid Open the ATP Masters 1000 that he won five times during his celebrated career and said the memories of playing in front of Spanish fans in Madrid will stay with him foreverNadal was presented with five banners commemorating the titles he won over ten years between 2008 and 2017 and a special trophy from tournament director Felicano Lopez after losing his fourthround match to Jiri Lehecka shortly after midnight under a closed roof on the Caja Magica This only served to amplify the fervent cheers of Spanish fans during the twohour battleWhat meant most to the 37yearold 36time ATP Masters 1000 champion was the heartfelt applause of his fans and the tears shed by family members in his players boxReflecting on his farewell Nadal expressed mixed emotions stating that a few weeks ago he didnt know if he would compete in an official match againIts been a very special week for me very positive in many ways both personally and for my tennis I had the chance to play again on the court A few weeks ago two days before Barcelona I didnt know if I would compete in an official match again and Ive now played for two weeks Its been unforgettable Nadal said on the court as quoted by ATPThe only thing I can say is thank you Its been an incredible journey that started when I was little I came to Madrid for the first time in 2003 when the tournament was played indoors The first time I came here feeling competitive was in 2005 It was one of the most exciting wins of my career still indoors Ever since the support has been unconditional from everyone I cannot thank you enough he addedAlso Read lsquoHes here to win morersquo Djokovic on rival Rafael NadalIn an attempt to reach his 100th ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal Rafael Nadal looked up at the unfolded banners commemorating his five victories from 2008 10 1314 and 17 which made him think about the length of his careerLooking at the pictures on the banners some of them seem like they were a lifetime ago All I can do is thank everyone who has helped me in my career Even though its not over this is the last time Ill be in Madrid You have given me a gift for the last 21 years thats more significant than any Grand Slam I have won The emotions of playing in Madrid in front of the Spanish fans is something that will stay with me forever said the SpaniardIve been lucky enough to be able to do a hobby as my job and to do it exceptionally well I feel so lucky to have had all these experiences I couldnt ask for more I hope Ive set a positive example for the new generations Thats the most important thing Titles and sporting moments are exciting he addedNadal expressed gratitude for the memories the game and the supporters had provided him over the years His attention now shifts to the Olympics where he has hinted at doubles run with Carlos Alcaraz the Laver Cup Roland Garros assuming he thinks his body can handle the rigours of fiveset tennis and the Masters 1000 in Rome next weekSport generates excitement and emotion I have experienced it as a fan From what I can see I hope that Ive created excitement and emotion for all of you The only thing I can say is thank you Thats all I can say Thats how I feel It was one of those days that are difficult when they arrive I think that life and my body have been sending me messages for some time that this day had to come he saidIve been lucky to do it at one of the places that has been the most emotional for me Thank you Id like to thank Feli Gerard and Jon and everyone who made it possible for the tournament to be played in Madrid Its amazing for all the Spanish players and Im sure the next generations will continue to enjoy the atmosphere here Thank you so much everyone for helping me have this moment the 37yearold addedWith agency inputs