Thanks to all
Thank you all for joining us in this intense duel with an exciting ending, it has been a pleasure to be with all of you, see you all again!
SO WAS THE MOMENT WHEN RAFA NADAL LEFT CENTER COURT
👋¡Hasta siempre, GENIO!#GRACIASRAFA #MMOPEN #TenisRTVE pic.twitter.com/PTDwHXQXkU — Teledeporte (@teledeporte) April 30, 2024
🥹 EXCITEMENT ON THE RUNWAY
Many tears in the fans on center court. Rafa Nadal has left the center court of the Caja Mágica for the last time in his sporting life.
GOODBYE RAFA!
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TRIBUTE TO RAFA NADAL AT THE CENTER COURT
The Balearic tennis player after being eliminated in his last match of the Madrid Masters 1000 is receiving a tribute. It is showing a video of the best moments of Rafa Nadal in the capital of Spain where he has managed to win five times.
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This was the point with which Lehezca closed the match.
Czech-mate. ♟️@jirilehecka hands Rafael Nadal a 7-5 6-4 defeat in what was possibly his final #MMOpen pic.twitter.com/s4iZ3T7Oz7 — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 30, 2024
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 4-6) Lehecka
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Rafa Nadal's ball goes out and Lehecka closes the match.
RAFA NADAL'S RUN AT THE MADRID MASTERS 1000 IS OVER.
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2º Set Nadal (5-7, 4-5) Lehecka
15-40. Backhand into the net by Lehacka. Two match balls for the Czech tennis player.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 4-5) Lehecka
Rafa Nadal's direct serve, the second of the match. 15-0. Then Lehecka's ball stayed in the net. 30-0. The Czech's serve goes into the net. 40-0. Jiri's return to the line. 40-15. The former world number 1 closes it with a spin shot to the line. We go now to the game that can be decisive. The Czech tennis player will serve to close the match.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 3-5) Lehecka
Again Lehecka saves it as he knows best. First direct serve, then volley at the net. Masterful today. The Czech tennis player is just one game away from reaching the quarterfinals.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 3-4) Lehecka
30-30. Picardy of Nadal, missed the Czech. Squeezes the public. Important moment.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 3-4) Lehecka
Rafa Nadal attacked. In this game he got a direct serve. Quick points and now looks to go for the rest. Penultimate option for the Manacor after this short break.
RAFA NEVER GIVES UP AND EVEN LESS IN MADRID
RAFA 💜 💜 💜@RafaelNadal #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/JdAKXFi9XW — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 30, 2024
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 2-4) Lehecka
Good second of the Czech tennis player where Nadal threw him out. Only one point has added the rest. Very far from the break and with fewer and fewer options for the Spanish tennis player.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 2-3) Lehecka
Rafa Nadal was complicated with a double fault and a subtraction of Lehecka, who placed the 30-30. After 40-all, Rafa won two points at the net to keep dreaming. Although he is still a break behind
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 1-3) Lehecka
Lehecka continues to give Rafa no option to the rest. In less than two games the game is settled, which closes it in white. Powerful serves
The Caja Mágica screams in search of Rafa Nadal's comeback
¡Retumba el 'Sí se puede' en la Caja Mágica! #MMOPEN #TenisRTVE
Rafa Nadal resiste un juego de 12 minutos y aún no ha dicho su última palabra
En directo, aquí: https://t.co/bjT5fBAYT8 pic.twitter.com/KUwDtEaq4s — Teledeporte (@teledeporte) April 30, 2024
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 1-2) Lehecka
RAFA COMES OUT ALIVE. Lehecka missed. The Spaniard fights and saves a compromising situation. SI SE PUEDE again on center court. The public tucks the Spaniard.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 0-2) Lehecka
40-40. Lehecka's forehand and forehand. This game can define the match. Both are leaving everything.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 0-2) Lehecka
40-40. He could not close the game again. Czech drop shot at the net to put the match back on the scoreboard.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 0-2) Lehecka
40-40. Rafa got a point to close the point, but then sent the ball to the stands. It's almost 10 minutes of play.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 0-2) Lehecka
40-40. Another one that Rafa saves. First he missed with his forehand, which crashed into the net. With a good serve he avoids it and the Spaniard jumps. Manolo Santana shouts the court again.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 0-2) Lehecka
40-40. Lehecka had another break point after a good return, but it was stopped immediately. Second saved by the Spaniard. YES WE CAN IS SHOUTED IN THE CENTER COURT.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 0-2) Lehecka
40-40. First ball break, which saves Rafa Nadal.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 0-2) Lehecka
30-40. Another break point for the Czech tennis player. Rafa Nadal had a 30-0. However, then with a winner, a rest and the Spanish ball that went to the doubles hallway is placed with a chance to leave the match almost sentenced.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 0-2) Lehecka
Finally Lehecka just confirmed the advantage. First serve and net, then forehand down the line to take the lead in the second set.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 0-1) Lehecka
40-40. What a passing shot from Rafa. He is going to press the rest. The Caja Magica starts to make the Spaniard believe.
This is how the Czech tennis player closed the first set
Jiri Lehecka se lleva el primer set
Pero... ¿alguien ha dicho remontada?
Si alguien es capaz de hacerlo es Rafa Nadal
📺Vamos con el segundo set ya en @La1_tve y @rtveplay: https://t.co/bjT5fBAYT8 pic.twitter.com/WsCfU5J7NT — Teledeporte (@teledeporte) April 30, 2024
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 0-1) Lehecka
BREAK! Again does not waste the ball break Lehecka, who gets ahead on the scoreboard. The Manolo Santana court chants the name of Nadal to try to lift the Manacor tennis player.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 0-0) Lehecka
15-40. Nadal hits badly and is in trouble. He will have to face two break balls.
2º Set Nadal (5-7, 0-0) Lehecka
0-30. Lehecka starts dominating in the second. He is two points away from starting with a break.
1º Set Nadal (5-7) Lehecka
SET!!! Unstoppable Jiri Lehecka. Winner, ace and finished with a good open serve where Rafa sent it out. What a last two games has been marked the Czech, who takes the first set. For the first time in this edition Masters 1000 Madrid, Rafa Nadal will have to come back if he wants to continue in the capital of Spain.
With this point, the Czech tennis player broke the break.
Si alguien no lo conocía, que se vaya aprendiendo su nombre (y cómo se pronuncia aunque pueda costar)
Jiri Lehecka está haciendo un partidazo contra Rafa Nadal#MMOPEN #TenisRTVE
📌https://t.co/bjT5fBAYT8 pic.twitter.com/DZ3qQbZQrt — Teledeporte (@teledeporte) April 30, 2024
1º Set Nadal (5-6) Lehecka
BREAK! Lehecka in his first break ball he took it. He didn't miss at the net. Now it will serve to close the first set.
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1º Set Nadal (5-5) Lehecka
0-40. Rafa Nadal hesitated on the volley, missed and three break balls for Lehecka.
1º Set Nadal (5-5) Lehecka
Lehecka with a serve and net put a 30-0 on the scoreboard. Then the Spaniard missed the rest. 40-0. Rafa added two points to tighten the game, the second of them with a good parallel. 40-30. He came to put the equalizer. 40-40. The world number 31 managed to close the game after a volley and after Nadal did not put the rest
1º Set Nadal (5-4) Lehecka
After Rafa's mistake that left him the easy ball. He reacted. He put a serve to the body, which was thrown into the net by Lehecka. On the next serve of the former world number 1, the Czech throws it out. Attention because the rest has the option Nadal to close the first set.
1º Set Nadal (4-4) Lehecka
He gets over his first hurdle of the match Lehecka. He was saved by the break ball. Finally the ball went long to the Spaniard. 4-4 and we enter the decisive moment of the first set.
1º Set Nadal (4-3) Lehecka
40-A. Double fault by the Czech and first break point for Rafa Nadal.
1º Set Nadal (4-3) Lehecka
Rafa started again with a 0-30 to the rest. Again the Czech saved the situation with two powerful serves to make it 30-all.
Rafa's big points begin
Rafa Nadal sacando los pasos prohibidos en la Manolo Santana
Mañana es festivo, así que toca noche disfrutona#TenisRTVE #MMOPEN
En directo en @La1_tve y @rtveplay: https://t.co/bjT5fBAYT8 pic.twitter.com/gi5L3L8NmJ — Teledeporte (@teledeporte) April 30, 2024
1º Set Nadal (4-3) Lehecka
Rafa started with 30-0. He had an error and sent it to the net. 30-15. He played Lehecka who went up to the net, but won the Manacor. Finally Lechecka's return didn't go in.
1º Set Nadal (3-3) Lehecka
The ball was left in the first game at the net, it was short to Lehecka. 0-15. Rafa wins in the exchange of blows. 0-30. A loose ball was left to the Czech and he didn't miss. 15-30. Nadal's lob just missed. 30-30. Good serve to the T of Jiri. 40-30. Again serve to the T and finished off at the net to close the game.
1º Set Nadal (3-2) Lehecka
Rafa Nadal continues to hold despite the spectacular powerful shots of Lehecka. The last even went too long and with 3-2 for the Spaniard we go to the second break of the match.
Simeone keeping an eye on Rafa Nadal on center court
They love a great defense 😉@Simeone 🤝 @RafaelNadal#MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/ztlWAy8Diq — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 30, 2024
1º Set Nadal (2-2) Lehecka
Jiri Lehecka is fine, who places the equal to two with game in white. Missiles from the Czech. Then he ended up closing in an open serve, which ends up finishing off in the net.
1º Set Nadal (2-1) Lehecka
At the pace of serves is this start of the match. Although with the 30-0, Lehecka took a subtraction to press the game. However, Nadal again took power on serve and goes to the break ahead on the scoreboard.
1º Set Nadal (1-1) Lehecka
Lehecka pone la directa en el primer juego del encuentro. He could not subtract the first points Nadal and the Czech was placed with a 40-0. Then he missed the rest to put the 40-15. However, on the next point which did not hit was Rafa, who sent the ball to the doubles hall
1º Set Nadal (1-0) Lehecka
The match begins. Rafa Nadal keeps the service. It is complicated; his first game after a double fault which meant the 15-30. With good services he turned the scoreboard. In the ú ltimo point of the game the rest of the Czech stayed in the network
🎾 MATCH STARTS
Rafa Nadal serves. Lehecka will start the rest of the match. Let's go there with the match
The two tennis players jump
We already have Rafa Nadal and Jiri Lehecka on center court
Rafa under the lights ✨@RafaelNadal meets No.30 seed Lehecka for a place in the Madrid quarter-finals —>> https://t.co/hOHmv2wMlX pic.twitter.com/1SBBx9OeOw
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 30, 2024
Keys completes the comeback
The American tennis player has overcome the world number 9, Jabeur after turning it around to get into the semifinals. After this duel will start on center court in a few minutes the match between Rafa Nadal and Jiri Lehecka.
ULTIMATE COMEBACK ✅@Madison_Keys comes back from a set down to defeat the No.8 seed Jabeur 0-6, 7-5, 6-1 and is into the semifinals!#MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/B4WGUQORf6
— wta (@WTA) April 30, 2024
Last ticket to the quarterfinals of Madrid Masters 1000
Seven players have already qualified for the quarterfinals of the Madrid Masters 1000. The last ticket will go to the winner of this match.
THESE ARE THE QUARTER-FINAL MATCHES
Sinner vs Auger Aliassime
Medvedev vs Nadal or Lehecka
Fritz vs Cerúndolo
Rublev vs Alcaraz
Daniil Medvedev awaits quarterfinal opponent
The Russian tennis player defeated Bublik in two sets by 7-6 and 6-4. His rival of the world number 4 in the quarterfinals, which will be played next Thursday will be the winner of this match between Nadal and Lehecka.
👨🏻⚖️ Chair judge
The match will be refereed by French referee Arnaud Gabas.
The meeting will be delayed
The match will start later than 9:30 p.m., due to the fact that the women's match being played on center court at the moment is going to the third set. Jabeur won the first set 6-0, but American Keys has taken the second set.
Watch out for this fact
Rafa Nadal has never lost before reaching the quarterfinals at the Madrid Masters 1000 since 2012. However, since 2022 in this same tournament he has not made the quarterfinals in a Masters 1000 tournament.
Sinner rebounding and on its way
The world number 2 and top seed at the Madrid Masters 1000 has defeated Khachanov in three sets. He lost the first by 5-7, but turned the score around with a double 6-3 to take the victory. The Italian will face Auger-Aliassime, who surprised Casper Ruud in the quarter-finals on Thursday.
Carlos Alcaraz survives to reach quarterfinals
The player from Murcia has suffered a lot and has left the match alive on several occasions. Finally in the tie-break of the third set he defeated the German Struff. The final of the Madrid Masters 1000 has been repeated and again the winner has been Alcaraz, who will play again tomorrow. His opponent will be Andrey Rublev, who has beaten Griekspoor.
Yesterday's image
After the match, Pedro Cachín asked Rafa Nadal for the t-shirt, since it was a dream for the Argentinean. The Spaniard did not hesitate and gave it to him, after which they hugged each other. A great image of sportsmanship on the part of the two tennis players.
The ultimate sportsman 🥹
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 29, 2024
Nadal goes over to give Cachin a hug after their 3-hour thriller 🤝@RafaelNadal #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/edOE0RUAP0
Rafa Nadal a bit upset about missing Real Madrid game
The Balearic tennis player after defeating Pedro Cachin knew his schedule. A schedule that did not make him much grace because it coincides with the Champions League match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. “It's not the time I would have liked”. Although he later explained that it is honestly what suits him best after a long match where he had to go to the third set. “After playing three hours today after so long without doing something like that, I think the most convenient thing is to have more time to recover. The tournament has decided that schedule and I think it's fine,” added the former world No. 1.
WE RETURN
In a few minutes will start the match between Rafa Nadal and Jiri Lehecka, both the previous and the minute by minute of the match can be followed here on VAVEL
Stay tuned for Rafa Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka
In a few moments we will share with you the starting lineups for the Rafa Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka match as well as the latest information from the Manolo Santana court. Stay tuned for live online coverage of the match on VAVEL.
Where to watch Rafa Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka in Madrid Masters 1000?
If you want to watch the Rafa Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka match you can follow it on TV through Tennis TV and Teledeporte.
If you want to watch it online, VAVEL is your best option.
What time is the Rafa Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka in Madrid Masters 1000?
This is the kick-off time of the match in several countries:
Argentina: 4:30 p.m.
Australia: 6:30 a.m.
Bolivia: 3:30 p.m.
Brazil: 4:30 p.m.
Chile: 4:30 p.m.
Colombia: 2:30 p.m.
Ecuador: 2:30 p.m.
Spain: 9:30 p.m.
United States (New York): 4:30 p.m.
United States (Los Angeles): 12:30 p.m.
India: 1:30 a.m.
Japan: 4:30 p.m.
Mexico: 2:30 p.m.
Nigeria: 8:30 p.m.
Paraguay: 4:30 p.m.
Peru: 2:30 p.m.
United Kingdom: 7:30 p.m.
A Super Tuesday in Madrid
A very busy Tuesday in terms of sports. Daniil Medvedev will start the day on center court. In the afternoon, the first local duel will take place. Carlos Alcaraz will repeat the final against the German Struff. A little earlier, Sinner, top seed and number 2, will play on court 2. Rafa Nadal will put the finishing touch in the center court in this duel. Also at that time much of the city of Madrid will be looking at Munich, as Real Madrid plays the first leg of the semifinals against Bayern Munich.
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How does Jiri Lehecka arrive?
Jiri Lehecka is 22 years old and is number 31 in the world. The Czech tennis player has 15 wins and eight losses in 2024.
He started 2024 by winning his first title in Adeliade. At the Australian Open he was defeated in his second match against American Michelsen. He had early eliminations in Marseille, Roterdanm. While in the ATP Dubai he retired in the quarterfinals. In the American tour he had a good role in Indian Wells reaching the quarterfinals, while in Mimi he fell in his first duel.
He has not played since then. This is his first tournament on clay in this 2024. He started the tournament with a two-set victory over Serbian Medjedovic. In the round of 32 he beat Monteiro again in two sets.
How does Rafa Nadal arrive?
The 37-year-old from Manacor is currently ranked number 512 in the world and has a record of six wins and two losses in 2024.
He is in his second consecutive tournament playing for the first time in 2024. He started playing in the month of January at the ATP Brisbane after a year away from the court where he lost in the quarterfinals against Jordan Thompson and finished with discomfort.
Now comes the tour where he has more hopes and it is clay where he wants to arrive in a great moment to Roland Garros and the games. In Barcelona he returned after a long break where he defeated Cobolli in the first round, while in the second round he was beaten by Alex de Miñaur, who is number 11 in the world. While in Madrid Masters 1000 despite his doubts about his physical condition in his first match he overwhelmed 16 year old Darwin Blanch, who could only win one game in the whole match. He got his revenge on Australian Miñaur in the second round. He dropped his first set in the round of 32 against Pedro Cachin, after sweeping the first set. He lost the second in the tie-break and ended up closing the match in the third set.
Background
This will be the first meeting on the ATP circuit between Rafa Nadal and Jiri Lehecka. Second time in this 2024 that the Czech tennis player will face a Spanish player after beating Bernabe Zapata in three sets in the first round of the Australian Open.
The Stadium
The match will be played at the Manolo Santana center court located in the city of Madrid and inaugurated on May 8, 2009, with a capacity for 12,442 spectators.
Preview of the match
Rafa Nadal and Jiri Lehecka will meet on Tuesday, April 30 in the round of 16 of the Madrid Masters 1000.
Welcome to VAVEL.COM's LIVE coverage of Rafa Nadal vs Jiri Lehecka at Madrid Masters 1000
My name is Manuel Carmona Hidalgo and I will be your host for this match. We will provide you with pre-match analysis and news here live on VAVEL.