Rafael Nadal leaves Madrid feeling better about his fitness than when he arrived. The veteran Spaniard says he will try 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.

Twenty-two time Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal fell 7-5 6-4 to Czech Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round of the Madrid Open on Tuesday, marking his final appearance at a tournament he has won five times.