- Tennis. Rafa Nadal is rejuvenated in Madrid with win over De Minaur
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Rafael Nadal bid an emotional farewell to the Manolo Santana centre court. The organisers hung five canvases from the roof with photographs of the five titles won by the tennis player at the Madrid Masters 1000.
With the soundtrack of Gladiator, his favourite film, Nadal was moved by a video of his matches in the Spanish capital. Tears escaped his family and even Cholo Simeone.
"It was a joke, next year I'll be back," he said jokingly.
On a more serious note, he referred to the circumstances that have forced him to retire from the courts: "It's a difficult day when it comes, but life and my body have sent me signals that it's the right time". Rafa is leaving Madrid but he is not leaving for good because he still has Rome before the big goal of Roland Garros.
"I can only thank everyone who has helped me at some point in my career. It's not over yet but here it is. It's a gift that you have given me for 21 years. Madrid has been more important to me than a Grand Slam. The emotions of Madrid will stay with me forever. I have been lucky enough to have been able to turn what was once a hobby into a job and to do it well. I feel very lucky and I can't ask for anything more", he said on court.
He continued: "I hope that I was able to set a good example for the new generations. That is more important than titles. I hope I have generated positive emotions. All I can say is thank you. I can't say anything else. What I feel is this."
On his last match in Madrid, Nadal also explained his feelings: "This was a difficult day when it came, but now it's a reality. My life and my body had been sending me signals for a long time. I've been able to say goodbye playing on this court, one of the courts that has moved me the most and playing the way I wanted to. Finally I want to thank all the people who make this tournament possible. For all the Spanish players it is very nice. I am sure that the other generations will continue to enjoy this atmosphere. I will thank my team and my family the day I retire. Because I'm still going."
The feelings also went through the tennis player: "I did not want to make a sea of tears because I have not yet finished my way with the racket in my hand. It's been a very emotional night. But now is not the time to let go of all the emotions and sensations I have inside me. I still have a long way to go and I don't want to let go of all the adrenaline. In Madrid I have come full circle. I couldn't imagine being here at almost 38 years old".