After his last match in Madrid, Nadal thanks his audience: "I will never have the opportunity to thank people enough for what they have made me feel."

It's the event of the week. After three victories (against Darwin Blanch, Alex De Minaur, and Pedro Cachin), Rafael Nadal couldn't continue to make the Madrid public dream. Opposed to a confident Jiri Lehecka and author of a strong match (33 winners to 12 unforced errors), the king of clay was forced to bow (7-5, 6-4 in 2 hours and 1 minute). Defeated despite a fairly satisfactory level of play and above all a physical condition that seemed to hold up, Rafael Nadal spoke about this last match in a press conference.

Asked about the magnificent tribute he received on the court, the Majorcan wanted to thank his audience: "The people of Madrid have never disappointed me, what they have made me feel over the years is something that will remain forever engraved in my memory."

Relieved to finish (in Madrid) on the court, the Spaniard will long remember the ambiance created by his audience at each of his matches: "I enjoyed it: three weeks ago, I didn't know if I would ever play an official match again, it's entirely real... and I could say my goodbyes here, on the court, and at a quite decent level. For me, this city and Spain have always been synonymous with support and energy that have decisively helped me. Today, I leave with a very beautiful energy, an unforgettable memory. I will never have the opportunity to thank people enough for what they have made me feel."