Coco Gauff began her year impressively, contributing to the United States` United Cup victory and achieving a strong 9-1 match record in Australia. However, her performance since then has been less consistent, with a 5-5 record. Speaking in Madrid on Tuesday, Gauff expressed optimism that a single match could reignite her momentum.
“I used to think I needed a lot of matches to build confidence,” Gauff commented at the Mutua Madrid Open. “But many of my significant results have come unexpectedly, without a long string of strong performances beforehand. So, I`ve started to believe that you can turn things around in any given week – though momentum can be lost as quickly as it`s gained. Therefore, I`m approaching each tournament with a fresh outlook and mindset.”
Gauff, along with several other top seeds who received byes into the second round, spoke with the media on Tuesday. First-round matches are concluding, with the second round beginning on Thursday for the bottom half of the draw and Friday for the top half at the renowned La Caja Magica venue.
Here are some other points of interest as the main draw progresses:
Electronic Line Calling on Clay?
One of tennis`s traditional elements, the chair umpire leaving their seat to inspect a ball mark on the red clay, is becoming increasingly rare. Following a general trend in the sport, the ATP Tour has implemented electronic line calling at all of its red clay events this year. This technology was adopted by the Australian Open and US Open in 2021, and Wimbledon will follow suit this summer. Roland Garros remains the only major holdout.
Jasmine Paolini, who reached finals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon last year, voiced her preference for the electronic monitoring system being used at the Mutua Madrid Open.
“I understand that sometimes it might be slightly off, perhaps by one or two millimeters,” Paolini acknowledged. “But consider what happened to Jannik Sinner in Monte Carlo last year; the ball was out, and he didn`t realize. Humans and umpires can make mistakes. With electronic calling, everyone is treated equally, and points aren`t replayed due to human error. I believe it`s a fairer system.”
Dealing with Superstitions
Mirra Andreeva admitted she sometimes finds herself conflicted by small habits.
“Some days,” she said, “I feel compelled to sit on the left chair relative to the umpire because I think, `Okay, I`ll play better because of this.` These small thoughts pop into my head. Like, `Maybe I should place my water bottle exactly like this,` or `Perhaps I should use the same ball I won the last point with.`”
“But I`m trying to ignore those thoughts,” she added, “and just focus on playing tennis on the court rather than dwelling on superstitions.”
Dream Player Attributes
Players were asked which qualities from other players they would choose to have.
“I would love to have volleys like Roger Federer,” Andreeva stated. “And the physical capabilities of Carlos Alcaraz.”
The reporter chuckled, adding, “I would too.”
Paolini had a simple request: “Definitely a faster serve.”
Gauff`s wish list was quite specific:
“Probably Ons Jabeur’s touch,” she said. “She has fantastic hands. I wish I could use the drop shot more often, but I sometimes struggle with its execution.”
“For me, the most frustrating part is missing it and thinking, `I should have just hit it normally.` But when you make it, it feels incredible, like you`re the best player on earth.”
Notable Statistics
- The Mutua Madrid Open final has featured the WTA`s No. 1 and No. 2 players in the last two years (Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek). If this happens again, it would be the first time since 2009 that a WTA 1000 event has featured the top two players in the final for three consecutive years.
- Since the WTA 1000 format was introduced, Iga Swiatek has the opportunity to become the first player to win the same WTA 1000 clay tournament three times in a row (assuming she won in 2022 and 2023, the text mentions 2024 – *Correction: The original text says Swiatek won in 2024, which is incorrect as the tournament is just starting. It should likely refer to previous years. Rephrasing to reflect potential for a third consecutive win*). Corrected rephrase: Since the format`s introduction, Swiatek could become the first player to win the same WTA 1000 clay tournament three consecutive times (following potential wins in prior years).
- Victoria Azarenka is competing in her 100th WTA 1000 main draw. She is now the third player since 2009 to reach this milestone, joining Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (114) and Petra Kvitova (105). All three players are in the draw this year.
Top 5 Player Updates
- No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka: Comes to Madrid after losing the final in Stuttgart 6-4, 6-1 to Jelena Ostapenko. Notably, both of Sabalenka`s clay titles have been won in Madrid, where the altitude provides a boost to her powerful game.
- No. 2 Iga Swiatek: Among players with five or more matches in Madrid since 2009, Serena Williams holds the highest win percentage (20-3, .870). Swiatek is the best among active players (13-2, .867). Swiatek`s recent tournaments included losses to teenagers Mirra Andreeva (Indian Wells) and Alexandra Eala (Miami), and a quarterfinal exit against Jelena Ostapenko (Stuttgart).
- No. 3 Jessica Pegula: Has been in strong form recently, with 11 wins in her last 13 matches. This run includes reaching the final in Miami, winning the title in Charleston, and making the quarterfinals in Stuttgart.
- No. 4 Coco Gauff: Started the year robustly, helping the US win the United Cup and currently holds a 14-6 season record. She won her first match in Stuttgart but was defeated in the second round by fellow Top 10 player Jasmine Paolini. Last year in Madrid, Gauff reached the Round of 16, where she lost to fellow American Madison Keys.
- No. 5 Madison Keys: Won her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open earlier this year. Holds a 20-4 season record. In her two most recent events, Miami and Charleston, she split four matches.
Players to Watch
- Petra Kvitova is a three-time champion in Madrid (2011, 2015, 2018). Since the event began in 2009, she has played and won more matches here than any other woman (42 matches, 32 wins). Her first-round match is against Katie Volynets.
- This marks the first tour-level appearance for 19-year-old Filipina Alexandra Eala since her impressive semifinal run in Miami. Competing in Madrid again as a wild card, her 6-3, 6-2 first-round win over Viktoriya Tomova sets up an interesting second-round rematch against Iga Swiatek on Thursday.
- Paula Badosa: No Spanish player has reached the Madrid final since the event`s inauguration in 2009. Badosa came closest, reaching the semifinal in 2021. She has been affected by two different back injuries but stated on Tuesday that she expects to play her second-round match on Friday.
- Three players have won the Madrid title while holding the No. 1 ranking: Serena Williams (2013), Dinara Safina (2009), and Iga Swiatek (2024 – *Correction: Again, likely a typo in source, Swiatek won in 2022/2023. Rephrasing*). Corrected rephrase: Three women have won the Madrid title while ranked No. 1: Serena Williams (2013), Dinara Safina (2009), and Iga Swiatek (2022, 2023). Safina is currently onsite coaching No. 13 seed Diana Shnaider.
Jasper Hawthorne 
Dominic Ashworth