Iga Swiatek reached the Madrid Open final while Rafael Nadal felt emotional after losing in what could be his final tournament appearance.
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SWIATEK DOWNS KEYS TO REACH MADRID OPEN FINAL
Swiatek downed Keys with ease with a 6-1, 6-3 victory in their semifinal matchup on Thursday to advance.
The world No.1 is determined to claim the Madrid Open, the only major European clay-court tournament that she hasn’t won.
“It was a pretty clean performance and really solid game from myself. I’m happy with everything,” Swiatek said.
“I’m happy that we can play a final against the top players. It shows consistency,” she added.
Swiatek will take on world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka in a rematch of last year’s final.
Sabalenka survived a first-set letdown to beat No.4 Elena Rybakina, 1-6, 7-5, 7-6(5), to advance to her third Madrid final.
“For sure it’s going to be a challenge and a tough tough match. I will be ready. I will focus on myself,” Swiatek said of her upcoming finals match.
NADAL EMOTIONAL AFTER LOSS IN FINAL MADRID OPEN STINT
Rafael Nadal was emotional after he addressed the crowd following his fourth-round loss to Jiri Lecheka.
The former world No.1 paused for a few moments as he spoke after his 7-5, 6-4 loss in what could be his final appearance in the Madrid tournament.
“This is a difficult day when it arrives, but it’s a reality. My body and my life had been sending me signs for some time,” Nadal said.
“I was able to say goodbye playing on this court, one of the most emotional ones for me.”
“Madrid at times has been more important to more than a Grand Slam. The memories here will stay with me forever,” he added.
Nadal was later shown the five banners of each of his titles in Madrid, in 2005, 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2017 from tournament organizers.
LECHEKA IN SEMIS AFTER DANIIL MEDVEDEV RETIRES DUE TO INJURY
Lecheka followed up his win over Nadal by advancing to the semifinals.
The Czech star advanced after world No.4 Daniil Medvedev retired due to a groin problem after losing the first set.
Lecheka led, 6-4, before Medvedev told the umpire that he could not continue for the match.
Medvedev is still scheduled to play and defend his Rome title next week but could not say how long is his recovery period.
Lecheka will next face Felix Auger-Aliassime in the semifinals on Friday.
Russian Andrey Rublev will take on Taylor Fritz in the other semifinal.
