Nadal bids sad farewell to Madrid Open as eight top players move to Quarters

• Rafa Nadal - the approaching end of an era

Tennis star Rafa Nadal bid an emotional farewell at the Madrid Open this week.

“This is one or those times where when it arrives, it’s very difficult,” Nadal said, as he was offered the microphone to say a few words to his adoring crowd.

“But life and my body have been sending signals to me for a long time. My dream was to finish here on court. I have been fortunate in my life to turn my passion into my job. I am privileged.”