Mutua Madrid Open: Rafael Nadal Suffers an Emotional Defeat in Straight Sets Against Czech Jiri Lehecka

Rafael Nadal’s run at the Madrid Open ended with an emotional straight sets defeat to Czech youngster Jiri Lehecka under the Caja Magica roof.

Before a passionate home win that left the five-time champion hoping to conjure up a fairytale run deep into the second week in what was expected to be his final appearance at the event, 30th-seeded Lehecka spoiled the party with a 7-5 6-4 -Victory in just over two hours.

Immediately after the match, Nadal bid farewell to fans in an on-court interview, while five banners were unfurled during the tournament, marking each of his five victories in 2008, 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2017.

Carlos Alcaraz was pushed to his limits but found the answers when needed to defeat the courageous Jan-Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-4), a repeat of last year’s final .

The 20-year-old is aiming to become the first player in history to win three consecutive titles at the ATP Masters 1000 event.

“Honestly, this game reminds me of last year’s game,” Alcaraz said. “It was pretty difficult from the first point to the last. It was a great fight and it was difficult. It was difficult for me to deal with my emotions, to deal with certain moments, difficult moments in the game.”

“After the 40-0 lead, it was really hard for me to serve for the game, but I’m really happy that it didn’t affect my game or my mentality in the end. I kept fighting. That’s all that matters and I’m really happy to get the win in the end.”

“What a great fight,” said Miles Maclagan, Andy Murray’s former trainer Sky Sports Tennis. “The style of play they play and the competition – nothing but respect for Jan-Lennard Struff.”

“For all these efforts there is no reward at the end, but maybe he will put a lot of heart and soul into the way he played, the way he pushed Alcaraz, the way he “continued to show resilience and character when I’m sure most would have.” I put Alcaraz’s name in the next round.

“He kept coming and coming and never settling. That is one of his great qualities. This guy’s bag of tricks is extensive.”

“The strength he brings, the athleticism, also the power of hitting.”

“How I missed that, quarter next”

Story from the tape

Swiatek roars back and reaches the semi-finals in Madrid

World No. 1 Every Swiatek After losing the first set, she defeated 11th-seeded Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia 4:6, 6:0, 6:2 to advance to the semifinals.

Swiatek, hoping for her third title this year, took a 3-1 lead in the first set, but Haddad Maia recovered twice and saved three break points in between, making it 4-4 and winning the first set.

That was the first set the Pole had lost in the tournament, but she responded with vigor, completing a bagel in the second set in which the Brazilian failed to force a single break point and Swiatek won two service games to win.

Swiatek continued in the same vein in the deciding set, breaking out to a 2-0 lead at the first opportunity, and although Haddad Maia hit back immediately, the top seed won four of the next five games to complete her comeback.

After losing the first meeting in 2022, Swiatek has now won the last three games against the Brazilian.

Swiatek, who won titles in Indian Wells and the 2024 Qatar Open, will compete Madison Keys in the semifinals on Thursday after the No. 18 seed defeated Tunisian Ons Jabeur 0-6, 7-5, 6-1.

The 2022 champion and number eight seed appeared to be heading for an easy victory, winning the first set in just 24 minutes.

But in the second round, the American world number 20 fought back and forced a decisive set in which she managed two breaks to reach the semi-finals in Madrid for the first time.

What can you expect from Sky Sports Tennis?

Ahead of the second Grand Slam of 2024 – the French Open in Roland Garros from May 26th – you can watch all the big tennis stars in action Live on Sky Sports as they compete against each other throughout the clay court season.

• Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome (ATP and WTA Masters 1000) – 7th – 19th May
• Geneva Open (ATP 250) – 20-26 May
• Lyon Open (ATP 250) – 20-26 May
• Strasbourg International (WTA 500 with Emma Raducanu in action) – 20-2. May
• Morocco Open (WTA 250) – 20-26 May

Here’s how to watch tennis matches on Sky Sports

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Sky Sports will broadcast more live tennis than anywhere else and over 4,000 matches from more than 80 tournaments per year on the ATP and WTA tours, as well as full coverage of the US Open, all exclusively live.

Non-Sky subscribers can stream live games with a NOW Sports Day and Month membership via Sky Sports Tennis, Sky Sports ArenaAnd Sky Sports Mix Channels.

For further access, fans can also follow their favorite players and gain deeper insights into both tours via Sky sports newsThe Sky Sports App, on SkySports.com and via Sky Sports social channels.

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