By: Natasha Archary

Rafael Nadal has bowed out of the Madrid Open, and despite making it clear this would be his last year on tour, the Spanish tennis legend says he’s not ready to retire just yet.
The 22-Grand slam Champion played his match at the Manolo Santana Stadium on Tuesday, 30 April losing 5-7 and 4-6 to Jiří Lehečka from Czech.
At the end of the match, Nadal addressed the crowd accepting that his last chance to win one more Spanish trophy was over.
“Today is an emotional day, of course. Today is an unforgettable day in terms of saying goodbye Madrid. That is one of the places or even probably THE place that I received more love and support during all these years.”
While he will not be returning to the Madrid Open again, Nadal made it clear that he will not shed any tears because he is not retiring from tennis yet.
Reports by Essentially Sports claims that the 37-year old former World No.1 ranked player, shared that “my body has been giving me signals that I should stop.”
However, Nadal made it clear that it was just the Madrid Open he will not be returning to.
Rafael Nadal still has plans to contend in Rome and Paris this year.
Also read: Coach Rhulani Mokwena anticipates tough against from Amakhosi



