The clay-court season heats up with the Madrid Open, a WTA 1000 event that draws the biggest names in women`s tennis to Spain`s capital.
For its 16th edition, Madrid will once again host a top-tier tournament. Almost all of the world`s Top 50 players are expected to compete for the coveted singles title at the Caja Magica.
The main draw action begins 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 valuable ranking points.
Here`s what you need to know about the Madrid Open:
- Main Draw Starts: Tuesday, April 22
- Singles Final: Saturday, May 3, from 5:30 PM CEST
- Doubles Final: Sunday, May 4, 2:30 PM CEST
- Qualifying: Monday, April 21 – Tuesday, April 22
- Main Draw Ceremony: Sunday, April 20, 6:00 PM
- Singles Draw Size: 96 players (including qualifiers and wild cards)
- Doubles Draw Size: 32 teams
- Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (CEST)
- Tournament Ball: Dunlop Fort Clay Court
Points and Prize Money Breakdown:
The tournament offers significant ranking points and prize money:
- 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`s Clay Court Quest: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka aims for her third Madrid title, having previously won in 2021 and 2023. Madrid is one of her most successful clay events.
- Sabalenka Chasing History: Another victory for Sabalenka would tie her with Petra Kvitova for the most Madrid Open titles (3).
- Swiatek Defends Her Crown: World No. 2 Iga Swiatek is the defending champion, looking to repeat her thrilling victory from last year`s final against Sabalenka.
- American Top Seeds: Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, and Madison Keys are seeded in the Top 5, with Pegula having reached the Madrid final in 2022.
- Kvitova`s Comeback: Three-time champion Petra Kvitova returns to Madrid seeking her first win since returning from maternity leave at one of her most successful tournaments.
- Badosa`s Home Hope: Spanish No. 1 Paula Badosa will compete, but her fitness is in question due to a recent back injury.
- Past Champions in the Mix: Sabalenka, Swiatek, Jabeur, and Kvitova, all former Madrid champions, will be competing. Also, 2009 champion Dinara Safina is coaching Diana Shnaider.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Madrid Open approaches!
Jasper Hawthorne 
Dominic Ashworth