Jiri Lehecka dealt a crushing blow to home hearts by ending Rafael Nadal's spirited run in a dramatic showdown at the Madrid Open.
The 30th-seeded Czech defeated the five-time champion in straight sets, winning 7-5, 6-4.
This victory marked Nadal's first defeat on clay to a player ranked outside the top 20 since 2016 and signalled the end of his storied career in Madrid, where he holds the record for the most wins (59) and titles (five) in tournament history.
“I’m happy. It was a very special week for me, very positive and very emotional. I had the opportunity to play one more time here on this court," said Nadal on court.
Nadal, visibly emotional, reflected on the special week he had on the court: "It was a very positive and emotional experience for me. I had the opportunity to play one more time here."
“This was a joke because I’ll be back next year,” said Nadal. “All I can say is thank you to everyone who has helped me in my career. It hasn’t finished yet.
“It has been a gift what you’ve given me here. The emotion that I get from this experience in Madrid, from the Spanish public… I was lucky as a kid to do the job that I love. I feel super fortunate to have lived the life that I’ve lived. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
As he contemplates retirement, Nadal faces physical challenges that have plagued him over the past two years. The decision on whether he will compete at Roland Garros later this month remains uncertain.
During the intense match, Lehecka and Nadal were neck and neck for the first 10 games. The 22-year-old Czech made a decisive move, breaking Nadal's serve and securing the opening set. Nadal struggled in the second set, dropping serve early and never recovering. The Madrid crowd bid farewell to their greatest champion, with banners reading "Gracias Rafa" suspended above the stands.
In a bittersweet moment, Lehecka acknowledged the significance of beating Nadal in his last-ever match in Madrid: "To share the court with such a legendary player is a dream come true."
“I always believed and always wished to have this happen.
“All the best to Rafa, it’s kind of bittersweet to have such a nice win in front of all these people, everyone cheering for him. The energy here was amazing and I’m happy to be through.”