Coco Gauff started the year impressively, helping the US team win the United Cup and securing nine victories in her first ten matches in Australia.
Her record since then has been a modest 5-5, but she voiced optimism on Tuesday, suggesting a significant shift in momentum could be just one match away.
Gauff commented at the Mutua Madrid Open, “I used to think I needed match play to build confidence, but many of my good results have come unexpectedly, without extensive prior matches. So I`ve come to believe you can turn things around in any given week – but just as quickly as you can get on a roll, you can also lose. Therefore, I`m approaching each tournament with a fresh outlook and strategy.”
Top seeds, including Gauff, spoke to the media on Tuesday; all 32 seeded players receive first-round byes. First-round matches continue Wednesday, followed by second-round play on Thursday (bottom half) and Friday (top half).
Here are some other key points ahead of the intensifying competition at the renowned La Caja Magica venue:
Paolini: Embracing High-Tech
In the modern era of technology, one charmingly traditional aspect of tennis is when the chair umpire descends to closely examine the ball mark on the red clay. This manual method is becoming increasingly rare.
The ATP Tour adopted electronic line calling for all its red clay events this year, aligning with a broader trend. The Australian Open and US Open have used electronic line calling since 2021, and Wimbledon will implement it later this summer. The French Open (Roland Garros) remains the sole holdout.
Jasmine Paolini, who reached the finals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon last year, stated on Tuesday that she prefers the electronic monitoring system used at the Mutua Madrid Open.
Paolini commented, “I understand it might occasionally be inaccurate by a millimeter or two. However, I also recall what happened to Jannik Sinner in Monte Carlo last year; the ball was out, but he didn`t realize. Humans, like umpires, can make mistakes. With electronic calling, everyone is treated the same, and there are no disputed points to replay. I believe that`s fairer.”
Superseding Superstitions
Mirra Andreeva confessed to sometimes feeling conflicted.
She said, “Some days, I feel compelled to sit in the chair to the umpire`s left, thinking `Okay, this will make me play better.` Sometimes these small ideas pop into my head, like `Maybe I should place my water bottle this way,` or `Perhaps I should use the same ball I won the last point with.` But I try to ignore these thoughts and focus on playing tennis on the court, not dwelling on superstitions.”
Pick `em
Players were asked about desirable traits they`d borrow from other players.
Andreeva responded, “I would like to have Roger Federer`s volleys and Carlos Alcaraz`s physical capabilities.”
The reporter laughed and added, “Me too.”
Paolini had a specific request: “Definitely a faster serve.”
Meanwhile, Gauff offered a very detailed wish list:
She stated, “Probably Ons Jabeur`s touch. She has excellent hands. A drop shot is something I`d like to use more, but sometimes I struggle with execution. For me, the worst part is when you miss it and regret not hitting a regular shot. But when you make it, it feels amazing, like `Wow, I`m the best player on Earth.`”
Stats to Savor
- The last two Mutua Madrid Open finals have featured the WTA`s No. 1 and No. 2 ranked players, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. This event could see this happen for a third consecutive year, which would be the first time since 2009 at a WTA 1000 event.
- Since the WTA 1000 format was introduced, Swiatek could become the first player to win the same clay court tournament at this level three years in a row.
- Victoria Azarenka is participating in her 100th WTA 1000 main draw, becoming only the third player since 2009 to reach this milestone, joining Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (114) and Petra Kvitova (105). All three are competing in the tournament this year.
Insights into the Top 5
- No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka: She recently lost the Stuttgart final disappointingly, 6-4, 6-1 to Jelena Ostapenko. However, she has won two clay titles previously, both in Madrid, where the altitude benefits her powerful game.
- No. 2 Iga Swiatek: Among players with at least five matches in Madrid since 2009, Serena Williams has the highest win percentage (20-3, .870), while Swiatek is the best among active players (13-2, .867). Swiatek`s last three results were losses to teenagers Mirra Andreeva (Indian Wells) and Alexandra Eala (Miami), and a quarterfinal defeat to Jelena Ostapenko in Stuttgart.
- No. 3 Jessica Pegula: She`s in strong form, winning 11 of her last 13 matches. Her recent results include reaching the Miami final, winning the Charleston Open title, and making the Stuttgart quarterfinals.
- No. 4 Coco Gauff: Started the year strongly, leading the US to United Cup victory and currently holding a 14-6 season record. She won her first match in Stuttgart but lost her second to fellow Top 10 player Jasmine Paolini. Gauff reached the Round of 16 in Madrid last year, where she lost to fellow American…
- No. 5 Madison Keys: The text mentions she won her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open (Note: This is factually incorrect in the original text; Keys` first Grand Slam singles final was the 2017 US Open). She has a 20-4 record, splitting her last four matches across Miami and Charleston.
Players to Watch
- Petra Kvitova is a three-time champion in Madrid (2011, 2015, 2018). Since the event started in 2009, she has played 42 matches and won 32, both records for the women`s draw. Her first-round opponent Wednesday is Katie Volynets.
- This tournament is the first tour-level event for 19-year-old Filipina Alexandra Eala since her impressive semifinal run in Miami. She is again a wild card in Madrid. Her 6-3, 6-2 first-round win over Viktoriya Tomova on Tuesday sets up an interesting second-round rematch against Swiatek on Thursday.
- Paula Badosa. No Spanish woman has reached the Madrid final since 2009. Badosa went the furthest, reaching the semifinal in 2021. She has been dealing with two different back injuries but stated on Tuesday she plans to compete in her second-round match on Friday.
- Three players have won the Madrid title while ranked world No. 1: Serena Williams (2013), Iga Swiatek (2023 – Note: The original text states 2024, which is inaccurate as the tournament is currently ongoing) and Dinara Safina (2009). Safina is currently coaching the No. 13 seed, Diana Shnaider, on site.
