Rafael Nadal has made a firm statement about his retirement after refusing to shed tears during his farewell at the Madrid Open. Despite playing his final match at the tournament, the 37 year old tennis star was clear that his career is far from over having previously hinted that 2024 could be his last year on tour.
Nadal's impressive run at the Madrid Open ended in the round of 16 with a 7-5 6-4 defeat to No. 30 seed Jiri Lehecka. The five-time champion was honoured with a special ceremony and addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude for the "gift" they had given him, which he described as "perhaps more important than any Grand Slam". The Spanish player's family were visibly emotional, but Nadal held back his tears. After leaving the court in Madrid for the last time, he explained his decision to keep composed, stating his intention to continue his career.
"I tried not to look at them because I didn't want to cry," the 22-time Major winner told Tennis TV. "For me, even if it's an emotional day, it's not my last match. I'm not retiring yet so saying goodbye from a very special place for me and things need to keep going for me."
Nadal has hinted at extending his illustrious career beyond the clay season, despite speculation about his retirement. The 37 year old tennis ace shared: "So I don't know when is going to be my last match but I don't want to become too emotional because I want to keep going for a while and just trying to keep focus on my path. So today it's a night that's going to stay in my heart forever but at the same time I try to be strong enough to keep going because it's not yet enough."
Nadal, who recently made an impressive run at the Madrid Open, is eyeing participation in the Rome Masters barring any
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