عاطفياً، رافائيل نادال ينسحب من بطولة مدريد المفتوحة، ومن المرجح أن تكون مباراته الأخيرة في العاصمة الإسبانية

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

The 22-time grand slam singles champion is looking to rediscover his form after a spate of injury problems have hampered his progress so far this year.

Before the tournament, Nadal said that he was determined to play in Madrid – where he is a record five-time champion – one final time, despite doubts about whether he was physically ready to compete at a high level.