Rafael Nadal's spirited run at his final Madrid Masters came to an end on Tuesday when Jiri Lehecka defeated the 37-year-old in a 7-5 6-4 straight sets.
The Czech was able to wear the 22-time Grand Slam champion down before breaking late in the opening set, followed by taking control early in the second as he struck 33 winners en route to the quarter-finals.
30th seed Lehecka will face third seed Daniil Medvedev for a place in the semi finals.
Following the match, a ceremony took place which celebrated the previous success the Spaniard has had at the tournament, as five banners - one for each year he has won the title - were unfurled before a tribute video was played to those inside Manolo Santana.
He was also presented with a commemorative trophy by Gerard Tsobanian, CEO, and Feliciano Lopez, Director of the Madrid Open.
Nadal spoke after the match and said he was "very happy" and thanked those who have helped him in his career, before adding "It hasn't finished yet."
He is likely to retire later this year but the 'King of Clay' is due to appear at the Rome Masters next week in the hope of gaining some form and fitness for the French Open, the Grand Slam he has won 14-times.
Earlier this week Nadal's outlook was gloomy and admitted he wouldn't be making an appearance at Roland Garros in his current physical condition, however with three wins at Caja Magica, including one against 10th seed Alex de Minaur, the former world number one can feel optimistic he can compete at his favourite tournament.