still too tight physically, Rafael Nadal eliminated in the 1/8 final by Jiri Lehecka

Less than a month before Roland-Garros, Rafael Nadal was eliminated by the Czech while confirming that it was his last participation in this Masters 1000. Beaten (7-5, 6-4), the Espagnol is progressing but seems to be weakening physically as soon as the level rises.

There will only be one Spaniard in the quarter-finals of the Master 1000 in Madrid. Carlos Alcaraz qualified earlier in the afternoon, Rafael Nadal then was no match for the Czech Jiri Lehecka, in the round of 16, Tuesday April 30. Beaten (7-5, 6-4) in 2h03, the current 512th player in the world broke down at the end of the first round and at the start of the second, before seeing his opponent manage the end of the match. An unprecedented defeat for him against a player in this ranking in the main tournaments on the circuit.

After a committed and tight first set, where the first break point came at 4-3 for “Rafa”, on the service of the 31st player in the world, it was the latter who was able to turn things around at the end of the set by breaking dry his opponent then winning his service game without losing a point.

Straddling the two occasions, the Czech even scored 12 points in a row, to immediately take the service of the one who won five times in Madrid. He thus won five games in a row, symbols of his takeover of the course. He could have taken a sixth, but Rafael Nadal, far from giving up, pulled away to defend his throw at 2-0, in a game lasting almost 15 minutes and with six ties.

If the Spaniard finally managed to keep his serve, Jiri Lehecka immediately recalled that he was the only boss on the field, of a new shutout. The end of the match was just a succession of easy plays on the Czech’s shot and long rallies on Nadal’s. With his 33 winning shots, the one who will meet Daniil Medvedev in the next round, largely tamed the pace of the match, despite a combative Nadal, and will approach his quarter-final full of confidence.

At the microphone after the match, Nadal made a point of reminding us that “his career is not over“but it was the last time he came to Madrid. Emotionally, he confided that he had doubts about his ability to compete in the tournament.”After Barcelona, ​​I didn’t know if I would be able to play again but in the end everything is fine, I was able to playhe declared, satisfied with himself, before continuing his thanks to the public. I would like to thank everyone. When I won here in Madrid it was really exceptional and until today it has always been an incredible journey here, you have always supported me.”