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Nadal has said he expects to retire after the
2024 season.
"I'm happy. It was a very special week for me, very positive in
every way. I was able to play again on a court that has given me
a lot, also on an emotional level," the 37-year-old Nadal said
in an on-court interview in front of an emotional crowd.
"It has been unforgettable, and I can only say 'thank you'. It
has been an incredible journey. It's very difficult, but life
and my body have been sending signals to me for a long time.
"I have been fortunate to turn my passion into my job. I am
privileged," he said before organisers honoured him with a
trophy and unfurled banners paying tribute to his five Madrid
titles.
With the score level at 5-5 in the first set, 30th seed Lehecka
broke serve and then held his own to take the lead.
Breaking again in the first game of the second set, the
22-year-old secured the win to reach the quarter-finals, where
he will face Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev on Thursday.
"It's amazing. For me to share the court with such a legendary
player is a dream come true. I always wished to have this
happen. I'm very grateful to achieve such a big moment," Lehecka
said.
"All the best to Rafa. It's kind of bittersweet to have such a
nice win in front of all these people cheering for him. The
energy was amazing, it was like I was in another universe. This
was something I've never experienced before in my life on a
tennis court."
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Neil
Fullick)
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