Rafael Nadal's Madrid Open run ended with an emotional straight-sets defeat to Czech youngster Jiri Lehecka under the roof on Caja Magica.
In front of a passionate home crowd hoping to see the five-time champion conjure a fairy-tale run deep into the second week in what is expected to be his last appearance at the event, 30th seed Lehecka spoiled the party with a 7-5 6-4 victory in just over two hours.
Immediately after the match Nadal said farewell to fans in an on-court interview as the tournament unfurled five banners marking each of his five victories in 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2017.
"This is one of those days that when it arrives, it's very tough, but life and my body have been sending me signals for a long time," he said.
"The dream was to finish here on court. I have been fortunate in my life to turn my passion into my job, I am privileged
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