The clay-court season heats up with the Mutua Madrid Open, a WTA 1000 event that draws the biggest names in women`s tennis to Spain`s capital.
Madrid is set to host its 16th edition, continuing its tradition as a premier tournament. This year, almost all of the world`s top 50 female tennis players will compete for the coveted singles title at the Caja Magica.
The main draw action in Madrid commences on Tuesday, April 22nd, culminating in the singles final on Saturday, May 3rd, and the doubles final on Sunday, May 4th. The singles champion will be awarded close to one million Euros and 1000 crucial ranking points.
Here`s a rundown of essential information for the upcoming WTA 1000 clay-court tournament in Madrid:
- Main Draw Begins: Tuesday, April 22
- Singles Final: Saturday, May 3, starting not before 5:30 PM
- Doubles Final: Sunday, May 4 at 2:30 PM
- Qualifying Rounds: Monday, April 21 and Tuesday, April 22
- Main Draw Ceremony: Sunday, April 20 at 6:00 PM
- Singles Main Draw: 96 players (including 12 qualifiers and 8 wild cards), with first-round byes for the top 32 seeded players.
- Doubles Main Draw: 32 teams
- Tournament Ball: Dunlop Fort Clay Court
Ranking Points and Prize Money Breakdown
First Round: 10 points | €20,820
Second Round: 35 points | €30,895
Third Round: 65 points | €52,925
Round of 16: 120 points | €90,445
Quarterfinals: 215 points | €165,670
Semifinals: 390 points | €291,040
Finalist: 650 points | €523,870
Champion: 1000 points | €985,030
Key storylines to follow in Madrid:
- Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked No. 1, excels on hard courts but has also demonstrated clay-court prowess, with both of her clay titles won in Madrid. Notably, she defeated the then World No. 1 in both instances: Ashleigh Barty in 2021 and Iga Swiatek in 2023. Her Madrid record is impressive at 17 wins and 4 losses.
- Should Sabalenka win again, she will equal Petra Kvitova`s record for the most Madrid Open titles. Kvitova has secured the title three times (2011, 2015, and 2018).
- Iga Swiatek, the World No. 2, returns as the defending champion with a strong 13-2 record in Madrid. Last year marked her first Madrid title, where she overcame Sabalenka in a thrilling final, saving championship points in a third-set tiebreak.
- The Top 5 seeds will also include three Americans: No. 3 Jessica Pegula, No. 4 Coco Gauff, and No. 5 Madison Keys. Pegula has previously reached the Madrid final in 2022, where she was a runner-up to Ons Jabeur.
- Petra Kvitova, a three-time Madrid champion, is participating in the main draw using her special ranking after returning from maternity leave. She is seeking her first match win in her comeback, and Madrid, a historically successful tournament for her, could be the place for a breakthrough.
- Spain`s top player, World No. 9 Paula Badosa, will also compete. Badosa previously reached the Madrid semifinals in 2021 as a wild card. However, her fitness is uncertain due to a back injury.
- Past Madrid champions in this year’s draw include Sabalenka, Swiatek, Jabeur, and Kvitova. Adding another layer of interest, Dinara Safina, the 2009 champion and former World No. 1, is coaching World No. 13 Diana Shnaider and is expected to be present.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Mutua Madrid Open approaches!
