Rafael Nadal’s conquerer finds a damning word to describe Pedro Cachin’s request

The debate over Pedro Cachin’s move to ask Rafael Nadal for a souvenir after their Madrid Open match rumbles on, with a new high-profile voice adding their views to the debate.

Following the conclusion of the encounter – which Nadal won 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-3 on Court Manolo Santana – Cachin asked the Spaniard at the net for a souvenir, ultimately receiving a shirt.

Cachin made no apologies for what was viewed by some as the act of a fan rather than a credible sporting competitor, yet Nick Krygios was among those who defending the Argentine player.

Now the player who ultimately beat Nadal at the Madrid Open has added his opinions, with Jiri Lehecka making it clear that he plays tennis to win and not be finish his career with some collectables.

“It’s tough for me to say because I went on the court to win, you know,” said Lehecka.

“When you go on the court and you go there for the win, then it’s tough for me to run after him and to ask him for some things, you know, if he can give me something.

“I don’t want to sound disrespectful or something, that’s the last thing I would like to, but if you are playing a match and you are thinking about asking the guy to give you something.

“I mean, why you are there? It’s kind of weird, in my opinion.

“I mean, everyone can have his own opinion on this thing. I totally respect what Pedro did. It’s absolutely fine for me. I have zero problem with it. But for me I would not do such a thing.

“I would do this maybe after the whole tournament, after, when I see him somewhere, just asking for a photo like I did after our practice.

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“This is what I did because of course I didn’t know if I would have a chance to play with him again or if we would play a match together.

“That’s why I asked Rafa to take a picture with me after our practice earlier this week, but if we are speaking about him giving me a T-shirt, I mean, I don’t know,

“I just don’t go into a match with these kind of intentions, and I just have different approach in this thing.”

Nadal is playing his final season on tour and had battled into the fourth round but young Czech Lehecka proved too strong, winning 7-5 6-4 to dash the hopes of a partisan crowd at the Caja Magica.

Nadal has won the tournament a record five times, firstly in 2005 and lastly in 2017, and five banners spelling out ‘Gracias Rafa’ were unveiled following his defeat just after midnight before he was awarded a special trophy.

“I had the opportunity to play one more time here on this court,” said Nadal afterwards. “It was a very special week for me, very positive and very emotional.

“The only thing I can say is ‘thank you’. It’s been an incredible journey that started when I was little. I came to Madrid for the first time in 2003, when the tournament was played indoors.

“The first time I came here feeling competitive was in 2005. It was one of the most exciting wins of my career, still indoors. Ever since, the support has been unconditional from everyone. I cannot thank you enough.

“You have given me a gift for the last 21 years that’s more significant than any grand slam I have won. The emotions of playing in Madrid, in front of the Spanish fans, is something that will stay with me forever.”