Rafael Nadal’s legendary status in tennis reached a high level at the Madrid Open. Following his third-round victory against Pedro Cachin in the top-tier clay tournament, his opponent demanded his shirt. However, Jiri Lehecka admits he would never have taken similar actions.

Nadal was seeking his fourth win in Madrid when he met Czech star Jiri Lehecka at Caja Majica last night. But his hopes were crushed as the ferocious 22-year-old blew him out of the Madrid title race, despite showing several brilliant plays.

The Spanish star was then given a wholesome goodbye ovation from the crowd after playing for the last time in Madrid.

Meanwhile, Nadal’s third-round match was completely different from the Round of 16 tie. His opponent, Pedro Cachin, despite showing some moments of brilliance, lost 6-1, 5-7, 6-3. However, the highlight of the tie was when the Argentine asked for Nadal’s shirt. Nadal eventually gave the Argentine right on the court while the crowd still celebrated his victory.

However, Lecheka believes he wouldn’t have asked for Nadal’s shirt like Cachin did. The Czech revealed during his press conference that Cachin playing Nadal and thinking about asking for his shirt meant he was ready to win.

I don't know. Maybe, I don't know, it's tough for me to say, because I went on the court to win, you know. 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.

Jiri Lehecka said via Madrid Open press

Nevertheless, the victory was Lecheka’s first meeting with Nadal. He had earlier taken a picture with Nadal during one of the practice sessions.

Because I don't really know, 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, then, I mean, why you are there? It's kind of weird, in my opinion.

Continuing further, he added