Rafael Nadal He bid farewell to suffering the Masters 1000 ATP Mutua Madrid Open as it was highly competitive and wanted to take another step to Manolo Santana Stadium of the Caja Mágica. Playing a fourth match in the same event is good news for Manacorí, who at 37 is flirting with retirement.
He says goodbye to Godó, putting labels like “almost certainly” if this is his last game. Logic indicates that he played his last official ATP match on Spanish territory between Tuesday, April 30 and Wednesday, May 1. At midnight, before the possible final game, the crowd stood cheering for Rafa Nadal. There is also a match point against. The epic will always be with you. He will never walk alone.
tried everything nadal. He had a good first set, but lost it. He chased the comeback all the way. An attitude and disposition that honors his status as the king of the clay court, a five-time tournament champion.
He left with all honors. Defeated by a rival, the Czech Jiri Lehecka, 22 years old and world number 31, who had the match of his life, showing all his talents in a night of maximum inspiration. Aided by the altitude of Madrid and the ‘indoor’ (closed roof), which underlined the natural power of his punches. A deadly serve, a forehand and a flying backhand. And, if necessary, a quick bounce here, a serve and net there. Well advised by your countryman Tomas Berdych, witness the success of his student.
Lehecka will face the Russian Daniel Medvedev. Nadal’s surrender 5-7 and 4-6 in 2h.01′. His was the first chance, a break ball in the eighth game. Lehecka didn’t blow it on his first serve, there was an exchange. The Czech went at him with the Czech, with a decisive forehand winner.
Nadal’s good line was suddenly interrupted. He delivered the blank serve for 5-6. In an instant he received a 0-4 partial, losing the last ten points of the first set. Lehecka scored 16 of Lehecka’s 17 points in a row. The lack of competition, of having internalized automatisms, slowed Rafa down.
“Yes we can, yes we can,” chanted a full crowd. He pushed a Nadal who raised three 0-3 balls, denying the TKO. If he comes it will be because Lehecka left, and he will be Daniil Medvedev’s rival in the quarterfinals. He kept his serve intact, he was very brave, facing Rafa was more of an encouragement than a burden.
nadal He starred in his last act in Madrid. Won 59 matches, lost 15, champion in 2005, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2017, in its initial hard court form and later on clay. A legend from start to finish, in the days of glory and also in the days when he was largely rejected by the enemy.
Regarding Barcelona, a big improvement, physically and in tennis. Rome remains the last tie before Roland Garros. Proceed as appropriate Rafael Nadal, although its demand level will not stop being high. Illusion is not lacking, it is its current fuel. He won three matches, requested a fourth, although facing an opponent who played tennis of many carats, who will have something to talk about if he manages to be more consistent.
Nadal is physically gone, his immortal legacy remains, a permanent mark. “That’s a joke, that next year I’ll be back,” joked the Spaniard in his speech to those present, after a salute, seeing how his names were drawn on some fold-outs that reminded him five crowns.
It is a farewell, the final remains. “I haven’t retired yet,” he recalled. Rome and Roland Garros, on the near horizon. Also the Paris Games and more, like the Laver Cup of your destiny. He got it.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
