Rafael Nadal shared his thoughts on his wife Maria Francisca Perello and sister Maribel crying after his fourth-round exit at the 2024 Madrid Open.
Nadal lost in the fourth round of the final Madrid Open of his career to Jiri Lehecka with a 7-5, 6-4 defeat in just over two hours. The tournament organizers honored the Spaniard with banners celebrating his five Masters 1000 titles. Nadal struggled to hold back his tears while delivering an emotional speech to the crowd, which moved many to tears, including his wife and sister.
In a post-match press conference, Nadal admitted to finding great “personal satisfaction” in evoking such passionate reactions and saw it as a testament to his excellent on-court conduct. He emphasized his commitment to respect and sportsmanship throughout his career.
The 37-year-old also commented that it was “normal” for his family members to cry, joking that they would likely cry even if he behaved “horribly” due to their deep love for him.
Nadal reflected on his struggles with injury setbacks, emphasizing that his return to the court gave him a sense of satisfaction, as he had done everything in his power to ensure it. He highlighted the importance of having a strong support system in the form of his family and friends, which, combined with fan support, pushed him to make a comeback.
Nadal disclosed that he hopes to participate in the Italian Open next, with his participation in the French Open depending on his performance in Rome.
