'I think he can progress' Madrid Open director Feliciano Lopez gave an insightful review of Rafael Nadal’s tennis over the last week

However, he managed to oust the youngster in straight sets. The next win was better for the Spaniard, who got his revenge against Alex De Minaur. Continuing the same momentum, Nadal went on to beat Pedro Cachin in a more physically challenging match before falling to Jiri Lehecka in the next round.

It was a remarkable win for the Spaniard, who had announced himself on tour. The tournament director also had a lot of praise for him. Nadal had consistently moved up his game, playing proper shots and serves. 

His tennis is there. He hits the ball very well, forehand and backhand, with a lot of power. It is in terms of his physical condition that I think he can progress. You can spend as many hours as you want in the gym, nothing replaces matches. That's really what he needs. And since he withdrew before his semi-final at Wimbledon (2022), he has had to play barely ten. Said Feliciano Lopez via welovetennis.

He had known Nadal for a while and reckons that the Spaniard needed to work on his physical fitness to be at the same level that he once was. Nonetheless, the entire crowd enjoyed it while it lasted. 

Feliciano Lopez presented 5-time Madrid Open champion Rafael Nadal with a souvenir 

Spanish ace Rafael Nadal recently played his last match at the Madrid Open. He was on a good run but was stopped in his tracks by Jiri Lehecka. 

However, the tournament did not allow Nadal to walk away empty-handed. They said a proper goodbye to their 5-time champion with a display of banners and wholesome videos. Furthermore, tournament director Feliciano Lopez presented the Spaniard with a souvenir.

It was a replica of the trophy, which Nadal has won five times. However, Nadal continues his last season of tennis and moves to Rome for the next tournament. Even though he is unsure about his recovery, the Spaniard hopes to play at the Rome Open and then focus on the Paris Olympics.