Rafael Nadal left Madrid feeling better about his fitness than he did when he arrived, and is now planning to play in Rome while continuing his preparations for the French Open.

Rafael Nadal had an “emotional day” playing what was likely to be his final professional match in his home country, losing 7-5 6-4 against Czech Republic’s Jiří Lehečka at the Madrid Open.

Rafael Nadal's final opponent at the Madrid Open, Jiri Lehecka, has had his say on the row that has erupted after Pedro Cachin asked the Spaniard for his shirt.

Five-times winner Rafael Nadal was beaten 7-5, 6-4 by Jiri Lehecka while the women’s world No 1 Iga Swiatek will face Madison Keys in the semi-finals

Rafael Nadal had to pause for a few moments, visibly emotional, while addressing the crowd after his loss in the fourth round at the Madrid Open.

The crowd stood, the chants filled the air. Nadal was match point down in a defeat, but it didn't matter: This is what they came for

Rafael Nadal says it has been a "very emotional" week after he made his last-ever appearance at the Madrid Open. The former world number one, a five time champion in the Spanish capital, waved an emotional farewell to the tournament after losing in straight sets to Jiri Lehecka.

Rafael Nadal’s wife and sister were in floods of tears after watching the tennis legend play his final match in Spain at the Madrid Open on Tuesday. Nadal has spoken openly about his plans for retirement on numerous occasions and is using the 2024 season as a farewell tour before he hangs up his racket.