In the early morning of May 1, the fourth round of the Madrid Masters was held, and the five-time champion Nadal met Czech rising star Lehecka. In this match, Nadal fought hard in two sets, lost to his opponent 5-7/4-6, and missed the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Nadal, who lost this match, is likely to have ended his last trip to the Madrid Masters, and it is also very likely that Nadal has finished the last match of his career in front of his hometown parents.
After the tournament, the Madrid Masters Organizing Committee gave Nadal a very high-level tribute. In 2005, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2017, Nadal's five championship flags in Madrid fell from the sky, as if they suddenly led fans back to that era that belonged to Nadal.
A short tribute to Nadal was then shown on the big screen, recalling his iconic moments at the Madrid Masters over the years. Nadal's wife and sister burst into tears as the crowd stood up and applauded Nadal as he bid farewell to the greatest player in Spanish sport history.
Amid the cheers of more than 13,000 fans, Nadal slowly walked back to the players' tunnel to wrap up the final game of his illustrious career on home soil.
Nadal, who ended his last career on home soil, will continue his journey next. At next week's Rome Masters, three weeks later at the French Open and three months later at the Paris Olympics, the legend will continue his farewell journey.