Rafael Nadal left Madrid feeling better about his fitness than he did when he arrived, and is now planning to play in Rome while continuing his preparations for the French Open.

Rafael Nadal had an “emotional day” playing what was likely to be his final professional match in the Spanish capital, losing 7-5 6-4 against Czech Republic’s Jiří Lehečka at the Madrid Open. The 22-time grand slam singles champion is looking to rediscover his form after a spate of injury problems have hampered his progress so far this year.

The crowd stood, the chants filled the air. Nadal was match point down in a defeat, but it didn't matter: This is what they came for

Rafael Nadal had to pause for a few moments, visibly emotional, while addressing the crowd after his loss in the fourth round at the Madrid Open.

It was a special night in the Caja Magica on Tuesday as Nadal competed at the Madrid Open for the final time. Facing Lehecka in the round of 16, the 37-year-old lost a close two-setter 7-5 6-4 and said goodbye to his home tournament.

The Czech, seeded 30th, fired off 33 winners to his opponent’s 14 and broke Nadal’s serve in either set to claim a 7-5 6-4 victory in the last 16, dashing the hopes of a partisan crowd at the Caja Magica.