Monday in the Caja Magica saw the official presentation of the twenty-third edition of the Mutua Madrid Open. The event was attended by last year’s singles champions Andrey Rublev and Iga Swiatek, the mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez Almeida, the president of Mutua Madrileña Group, Ignacio Garralda, and tournament director, Feliciano López. The presenter of the event was, as in previous years, acclaimed radio broadcaster Juanma Castaño.
The mayor of Madrid spoke from the heart when he took to the microphone: “‘I choose to play here because it’s Madrid’, not my words, but Rafa Nadal’s when he explained why he played in the tournament, because it’s in this city and given the uncertainty of his presence at Roland Garros or how many tournaments he would be able to play before his retirement. I think those words perfectly define what this competition means. After over two decades of the tournament, all the players want to be here and all the fans want to come and enjoy themselves”.
He was also keen to underline what the Mutua Madrid Open has meant to the region: “It’s true that Madrid is one of the standard setters for events around the world, but this journey has a beginning and the Mutua Madrid Open forged the path for the other international events in this city. That’s the reality. This event opened the way for everything that has come since”.
Ignacio Garralda, president of the Mutua Madrileña Group spoke of his satisfaction at extending the relationship with the tournament: “Nineteen years of sponsorship demonstrate that we are very loyal to those we support. First it was played in the Madrid Arena, then it moved here to the Caja Magica, then the WTA event was added and finally the tournament has grown from one week to two. In summary, it’s a tournament that’s continuing to grow and we’re delighted to continue participating. It’s a tournament and a brand that continues to consolidate itself. ‘Let’s go to the Mutua’ is now part of the city’s collective vernacular”, concluded Garralda.
For his part, Feliciano López, the tournament’s director, touched on what it means to the event to welcome so many fans on the first day: “It’s a joy to see the Mutua Madrid Open have such a great atmosphere from the start. It’s a social event, but also a family one. I hope that everyone enjoys the tournament as much as I do. We’re very fortunate to have a tournament of these characteristics which is so well established too”.
Last year’s champion Iga Swiatek also spoke of her happiness at returning to the tournament: “Two years ago I played in the final and last year I won a great battle against Sabalenka. It’s a tournament that pushes me to the limit and gets the best out of me. Madrid is a city I love and I’m happy I managed to arrive a few days early”. The number two in the world is bidding to defend her title and return to winning ways. Madrid represents a perfect opportunity for her.
Andrey Rublev summed it up beautifully, in perfect Spanish, when he closed out the presentation: “Thank you Madrid. I hope you really enjoy these two weeks and may the best player win”. Well said Mr Rublev!
