Emma Raducanu shows Rafael Nadal support as Brit spotted at Madrid Open

might not be playing in the Madrid Open this year, but has still publicly supported the retired legend. The 'King of Clay' won five times at his 'home' tournament .

He reached the last-16 before losing to Jiri Lehecka in straight sets. The 38-year-old had declared beforehand that it would be the last time he would play in Madrid, and duly retired later in the year at the Davis Cup. Raducanu is currently in the Spanish capital, preparing for her own tilt at the tournament this year

She took to the practice courts at Manzanares Park sporting a t-shirt from the Rafa Nadal Shop. He has his own clothing brand and sells merchandise through his Rafa Nadal Academy.

The move proved popular with local fans. The official tournament Instagram account also noted her gear and posted a video of the star hitting balls with the message: "Hola, @emmaraducanu," with a waving hand emoji.

The unseeded Raducanu has been given direct entry into the main draw. The 2021 champion will be looking to build on her impressive showing at the Miami Open, where she reached the quarter-finals .

She will likely enjoy good support from the crowds, too, given her previous tributes to Nadal. She took to social media in November after he bowed out of the game following Spain's Davis Cup campaign.

She shared a post from the official account that showed Nadal celebrating his 2008 win at SW19. She added a salute and heart emojis, underlining how much she appreciated the 22-time Grand Slam winner.

Raducanu will want to improve on her 2024 performance, though. She received a walkover in the first round before losing tamely to Argentine player Maria Lourdes Carle.