Nadal Goes Down To Lehecka While Alcaraz, Sinner Win In 3; Wed. QFs At Madrid Masters

Rafael Nadal‘s run at the Madrid Masters came to an end in the fourth round Wednesday at the hands of Jiri Lehecka 7-5, 6-4.

Lehecka, 15 years younger than the 37-year-old Nadal, used his powerful serve and strong net play to thwart Nadal who had just played three hours Monday. Rafa played the Czech tight until 5-all in the first when Lehecka ran away with the set and then broke immediately to start the second.

It was likely Nadal’s final match in Madrid, an event he had won five times.

“It’s been a very special week for me, very positive in many ways, both personally and for my tennis,” Nadal told the crowd. “I had the chance to play again on court. A few weeks ago, two days before Barcelona, I didn’t know if I would compete in an official match again and I’ve now played two weeks. It’s been unforgettable.

“The only thing I can say is ‘thank you’. It’s been an incredible journey that started when I was little. I came to Madrid for the first time in 2003, when the tournament was played indoors. The first time I came here feeling competitive was in 2005. It was one of the most exciting wins of my career, still indoors. Ever since, the support has been unconditional from everyone. I cannot thank you enough.”

Lehecka praised the tennis great.

“It’s amazing to share a court with such a legendary player. It’s a dream come true; I always wished for this to happen,” said Lehecka. “I’m very grateful to achieve such a big moment and all the best to Rafa. It’s kind of bittersweet to have such a nice win in front of all these people who were cheering for him. The energy was amazing.”

New Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz didn’t disappoint in his rematch with Jan-Lennard Struff. The two met in the 2023 Madrid final with Alcaraz winning in three, and today was the same but this time Alcaraz needed a final set breaker to see off the 34-year-old, 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-6(4).

Alcaraz served for the match at 5-3 in the third and led 40-0. Then Struff had a break chance at 5-all.

“Honestly this match reminds me of last year’s match,” said Alcaraz. “It was pretty difficult from the first point until the last one. It was a great fight and it was difficult. It was difficult for me to deal with my emotions, to handle certain moments, difficult moments in the match. Serving for the match, it was really difficult for me after that 40/0 up, but really happy that at the end it didn’t affect me with my game, with my mentality. I kept fighting. That’s all that matters and I’m really happy to get the win at the end.”

Alcaraz has now won his last 14 in Madrid.

Top seed Jannik Sinner also went three rallying from a set down to defeat 16th-seeded Karen Khachanov 5-7, 6-3, 6-3. No. 3 Daniil Medvedev ousted 17th-seeded Alexander Bublik 7-6(7-3), 6-4.

Felix Auger-Aliassime surprised the in-form No. 5 seed Casper Ruud in straight sets 6-4, 7-5. No. 7 seed Andrey Rublev sent off No. 24 seed Tallon Griekspoor 6-2, 6-4. No. 12 Taylor Fritz took out No. 8 seed Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(2), 6-4. And in the surprise of the day, No. 21 seed Francisco Cerundolo upended former tournament winner Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-4.

Tomorrow, the quarterfinals get underway with Alcaraz and Rublev returning. Fritz will face Cerundolo.

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