Rafael Nadal reflects on 'personal goals, positive energy' after Madrid exit before Italian, French Open
Published 01/05/2024 at 09:14 GMT+1
Rafael Nadal's clay comeback was halted by Jiri Lehecka in the last 16 of the Madrid Open. Nadal was beaten in straight sets but said it had been a "positive week" in the Spanish capital and he is looking forward to another "special tournament" in the Italian Open. Nadal is expected to play in Rome, which starts on May 8, followed by the French Open.
Highlights: Nadal outlasts Cachin in epic three-setter to continue Madrid winning run
Video credit: TNT Sports
Rafael Nadal says he is leaving Madrid with “positive energy” as he spoke about his “personal goals” ahead of the Italian Open and French Open.
Nadal, 37, was beaten in straight sets by Jiri Lehecka in what is expected to be his last match at the Madrid Open.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion looks set to retire this year and said an emotional on-court goodbye following the last-16 contest in the Spanish capital.
Although Nadal was not able to add to his five Madrid Open titles, it was an encouraging week as he won three matches in a row for the first time since the 2022 US Open.
“It has been a positive week,” said Nadal.
"I was able to play four matches, a couple of tough matches. So very positive, winning three matches, playing four matches at the high level of tennis.
“I enjoyed a lot playing at home. I leave here with very positive energy."
Nadal was playing just his third tournament of the year after making his return in Barcelona, where he reached the second round.
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He is next expected to play the Italian Open and then the French Open.
"Today is unforgettable day in terms of saying 'goodbye, Madrid,"' he added.
"But my career keeps going, and I have my personal goals that I have got in the next couple of weeks, and I want to explore if I have any chance to achieve that."
Nadal has won 10 times in Rome, where the main-draw action starts on May 8.
"That's another very special tournament in my career," he said.
"I dreamed to play all these tournaments that I had success one more time. I missed Monte Carlo unfortunately, that is one of the most special for me, but Rome is one of these ones that I enjoyed a lot playing there."
“I want to try and I want to play well there. I want to be competitive, I want to give myself a chance to play good tennis. And I want to keep working hard to try to make that happen.”
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