After bidding farewell to Madrid, Nadal reassures: "I haven't finished my journey with racket in hand"

Beaten by an excellent Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday (7-5, 6-4), Rafael Nadal bid farewell to the Madrid tournament. Dominated by a player full of fire and power, Rafa's performance was of the highest level. As he himself admits, his level of play is increasing. So is his physical intensity.

After a particularly poignant tribute ceremony, the king of clay looked back on this moment in history, reminding us that his story with tennis was not yet over. Much more reassuring than he had been at the start of the tournament, the man with 14 French Open titles declared: "Today was a moving day, an unforgettable day to say goodbye to Madrid. It's one of the places, if not probably the place, where I've received the most love and support. But my career goes on, and I have my personal goals for the next few weeks, and I want to see if I have a chance of achieving them. [...] It's been a positive week from every point of view. I was able to play four matches, a few tough ones, and the body, even if some muscles are tired now and I felt it during the match, held up well. Three wins, four matches at a high level... I really enjoyed playing at home. I'm leaving here with a very positive energy in every respect." (comments relayed by L'Equipe).

Asked about the emotion generated by his farewell, the Majorcan confessed himself honoured and proud: "It's a great personal satisfaction. When people get excited, it's not just about sport. I think I've done some good things, not just with the racket. At least, that's what I've tried to do. We all make mistakes, we have better and worse times, but I've tried to be respectful, friendly and serve people as best I can. I also tried to behave properly on the court, which I think I managed to do most of the time. [...] It's normal for people to cry. Even if I'd behaved badly, they probably would, because they love me in a different way to the people around me. It's a very great personal satisfaction in terms of what I consider to be of value in life, because playing tennis is only of sporting value. I hope I haven't been, at least, a bad example to follow for those who've been watching me on TV all these years."

Asked about his personal feelings, the Spaniard confessed to having held back his tears, but explained above all that he had done so for a good reason - his career is not yet over: "I was very moved. I held back, I didn't want to make a sea of tears, even though I came very close. Because I didn't finish. I finished in Madrid, but I didn't finish my journey with a racket in hand. It was moving, but maybe now is not the time to let go of what's inside me. I've still got a long way to go, and I don't want to let go of all that adrenalin just yet. I'm leaving with a lot of energy, I've taken steps forward in all areas. We'll have to see if I can consolidate these advances.

Clearly very satisfied with what he has been able to offer, the Spanish legend seems far more positive than when he first arrived in Madrid: "I arrived here with doubts about everything, and I'm leaving without them. It's been an incredibly positive week. My opponent played at a very high level and I remained competitive. The first set was my best since I started competing again, at least in terms of what I'm looking for in terms of footwork, ball rotation... I think it was the day I was best positioned on the court. Muscular-wise, I had a little dip at the end of the first set, but I'm totally satisfied, much better than I could have expected. [...] Three weeks ago, I didn't know if I was going to play an official match again, and I was able to say goodbye to the court at a more than decent level. On a tennis and emotional level, this city has always been supportive and energetic, and that has helped me decisively in my career. What I remember here today is very beautiful, an indelible and unforgettable memory. I'll never have the chance to thank them enough for what they've done for me. I don't know if this is the last time I'll play in Spain. I haven't thought about it, but it's very likely. If it is the last time, it's a great memory, a great evening."

While doubts persist as to his participation in the French Open, it is certain that the Rafael Nadal soap opera is not yet over. Next stop: the Rome Masters 1000 (May 8-19), where Rafa has already reached the final 12 times, winning 10 titles (2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2010, 2011 and 2012).