After overcoming the Cachin test, Nadal returned to the court and Wednesday to take on 22-year-old Lehecka. Lehecka, ranked at No. 31 in the world, remained unfazed in front of a sold-out Madrid crowd cheering for Nadal as he defeated the Spaniard 7-5 6-4 in their first-ever meeting.

Five-times winner Rafael Nadal was beaten 7-5, 6-4 by Jiri Lehecka while the women’s world No 1 Iga Swiatek will face Madison Keys in the semi-finals

Rafael Nadal had an “emotional day” playing what was likely to be his final professional match in his home country, losing 7-5 6-4 against Czech Republic’s Jiří Lehečka at the Madrid Open.

His future is the issue that is causing the most talk among the media, insiders and fans (and perhaps among tennis players themselves), but Rafael Nadal seems serene and at peace.

Rafael Nadal had to pause for a few moments, visibly emotional, while addressing the crowd after his loss in the fourth round at the Madrid Open.

The crowd stood, the chants filled the air. Nadal was match point down in a defeat, but it didn't matter: This is what they came for

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz says he will form a dream team with his legendary compatriot Rafael Nadal in the men’s doubles at the Paris Olympics later this year “if everything goes well.” The tennis tournament,

Rafael Nadal’s run at the Madrid Open came to a screeching halt after he was outgunned in a straight-sets loss by Jiri Lehecka.The Czech, seeded 30th, fired off 33 winners to his opponent’s 14 and broke Nadal’s serve in either set to claim a 7-5 6-4 victory in the last 16,