Nadal’s emotional farewell to Madrid
RAFAEL Nadal’s Madrid Open run ended with an emotional straightsets 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 conjure a fairy-tale run deep 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 unfurled five banners marking each of his five victories in 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2017.
“This is one of those days that when it arrives, it’s very tough, but life and my body have been sending me signals for a long time,” he said.
“The dream was to finish here on court. I have been fortunate in my life to turn my passion into my job, I am privileged.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion arrived in Madrid saying he wasn’t fully fit and was worried about his condition, but in the end was celebrating having won three consecutive matches without showing significant physical limitations.
Nadal had only one break opportunity against the big-serving Lehecka who has now won all of his three matches in straight sets.
“It’s amazing to share a court with such a legendary player. It’s a dream come true; I always wished for this to happen,” Lehecka said.
“I’m very grateful to achieve such a big moment and all the best to Rafa. It’s kind of bittersweet to have such a nice win in front of all these people who were cheering for him. The energy was amazing.”
Alcaraz battles past dogged Struff
Carlos Alcaraz was pushed to the limit, but found the answers when needed to overcome a gutsy 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.
“Honestly this match reminds me of last year’s match,” Alcaraz said. “It was pretty difficult from the first point until the last one. It was a great fight and it was difficult. It was difficult for me to deal with my emotions, to handle certain moments, difficult moments in the match.
“Serving for the match, it was really difficult for me after that 40-0 up, but really happy that at the end it didn’t affect me with my game, with my mentality. I kept fighting. That’s all that matters and I’m really happy to get the win at the end.”
“What a great battle,” Andy Murray’s former coach Miles Maclagan said on Sky Sports Tennis. “The style of game they play and the contest — nothing but respect for Jan-Lennard Struff.
“For all that effort there’s no reward in the end but perhaps he’ll take a lot of heart in the way he’s played, the way he’s pushed Alcaraz, the way he’s continued to show resilience and character when I’m sure most would have been writing Alcaraz’s name into the next round.
“He kept coming and kept coming and never got down on himself. That is one of his big attributes. This guy’s bag of tricks is a large one.
“The power he brings, the athleticism, the punch as well.”—