Rafael Nadal showed no sentiments to his compatriot David Ferrer who is winding down his career as Nadal eased into the quarter-finals with 6-3, 6-3 to be one step closer to a record 12th Barcelona title.
Ferrer is all set to retire after next months’ Madrid Open and made an emotional exit on what was his 15th and final appearance at this tournament.
“David is not retiring because of his level but it has been a complicated year and a half for him with injuries,” Nadal said about Ferer who on 2013 reached his career high of World No.3.
“His level this year has been still very high and for all these years he’s been fighting hard and giving us pleasure watching him. We are all grateful to him.”
“I gave everything I had,” added Ferrer. “I am very happy, it’s a dream come true to play one of my last matches on this court.”
Nadal will now be aiming for his 12th success at Roland Garros next month.
