Nadal says adios to Madrid

Rafael Nadal bade an emotional farewell to the Madrid Open after crashing out in the last 16 to Jiri Lehecka in the Spanish star's last-ever appearance at the tournament.

The 37-year-old, 22-time Grand Slam tennis singles champion - winner of a record five Madrid Open titles - bowed out 7-5, 6-4 to the 30th-seeded Czech.

"I'm happy. It was a very special week for me, very positive and very emotional," Nadal said in his on-court interview.

Nadal hasn't decided when he plans to hang up his racket but the former world No 1's retirement is fast approaching.

Numerous physical issues have hampered him over the past two years and he will make the call on whether he will compete at the French Open - which he has won a record 24 times - later this month.

A special ceremony was held in Manolo Santana Stadium after the last-16 match, with banners suspended above the stands with the words "Gracias Rafa" to signify the years in which he has won the Madrid tournament.

"This was a joke, I'll be back next year," quipped Nadal, his family watching on from the stands. "All I can say is thank you to everyone that has helped me in my career. It hasn't finished yet.

"It has been a gift what you've given me here ... I was lucky to do the job that I love. I feel super fortunate to have lived the life that I've lived. I couldn't ask for anything more."

Lehecka, 22, said it felt "bittersweet" to beat Nadal in his Madrid farewell.