Rafael Nadal left in stitches over Madrid Open blunder in emotional ceremony after exit

Rafael Nadal saw the funny side when an emotional ceremony in his honour went wrong. Madrid Open organisers unfurled banners marking the Spaniard's previous title wins at the tournament after he crashed out to Jiri Lehecka. But two of them got stuck, leaving Nadal in stitches.

Nadal played his final match at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, losing a close two-setter 7-5 6-4 to 30th seed Lehecka. It brought an end to the 37-year-old's fairytale run, which saw him win three matches in a row for the first time since August 2022.

The former world No. 1 was honoured with an emotional on-court ceremony at the conclusion of the match which left his family in tears. But Nadal had a different reaction when a key part of the presentation went wrong. Five banners had been prepared ahead of the tournament in anticipation for when the Spaniard eventually played his last match.

The 22-time Major winner ended up going deeper in the tournament than many expected and it became evident that the banners had been waiting in place for a while, as the first one immediately got stuck. Nadal found it hilarious, and the tournament eventually decided to proceed with the rest of the ceremony, leaving the first banner partially hanging down over the stands.

The five banners depicted each of Nadal's title wins in Madrid, with the first saying "Gracias" while the rest spelt out "Rafa". The first one eventually opened out when some of the others had already come down. But there was another gaffe when the fifth and final banner also got stuck, earning another laugh from the Spaniard.

When all five flags were eventually in place, Nadal took the microphone and gave a heartfelt speech to the packed Manolo Santana Stadium crowd as his family watched on in tears. "It has been a very special and positive week in many ways. I have had the opportunity to play again in this game that has given me so much on a sporting and emotional level," he started.

"A few weeks ago, two days before going to Barcelona, I didn't know if I could compete in an official match and I was able to play for two weeks. All I can do is say thank you, it has been an incredible journey."

Reflecting on his decades of playing in Madrid, he continued: "The first time I came to Madrid was 2003, the first time I came competitively was 2005 and it was one of the most exciting victories I have had in my career. From then until today there has only been unconditional support and affection in Madrid from everyone, I can only say thank you."

And Nadal threw in a joke, earning a laugh from the crowd when he added: "That was a joke, I'll be back next year." Addressing the images emblazoned on the banners, he became serious again. "No, really, looking at the images, some seem from another life," he said.

"I can only thank everyone who at some point has helped me in this career, that although it is not over, it is true that Madrid is the last time I will be there. For me, it has been a gift that you have given me in these 21 years, perhaps more important than any Grand Slam. The emotions of playing on this court, with the Spanish public, is something that will stay forever."