The Mutua Madrid Open made a historic announcement on Thursday with news that strengthens its drive for innovation and underscores its commitment to equality. Garbiñe Muguruza has been named co-director of the tournament, a position she will now share with Feliciano Lopez, thus establishing a shared leadership model that is unique in the world of tennis.
The dual directorship system, not employed at any other event on the ATP or WTA circuits, consolidates Madrid as a standard bearer for innovation, leadership, diversity and forward thinking.
A former world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion (2016 French Open and Wimbledon 2017), among many other achievements including the title at the 2021 WTA Finals, an event she is now the director of, Muguruza officially retired during the 2024 season. At 32 years of age, the Spaniard now assumes the position of co-director alongside Feliciano Lopez, who has been in the role since taking over from Manolo Santana in 2019.
The decision to bring in Muguruza came directly from Gerard Tsobanian, the CEO of the Mutua Madrid Open, who has tirelessly sought impactful improvements ever since the event was first held in Spain in 2002. Tsobanian wanted to go one step further with the new co-director model, a system that will further enhance the support, attention, and meeting of the needs of players on the ATP and WTA Tours.
“The inclusion of Garbiñe is not a symbolic gesture. It’s a conviction and a declaration of principles. We strongly believe that leadership in tennis should be built from diverse, complimentary perspectives with equal voice and influence. The experience of a Grand Slam champion like her is invaluable for a tournament like ours. This move puts the Mutua Madrid Open in the place we want it to be; at the forefront of structural equality. We don’t just talk about equality, we design it, we implement it and we make it visible. For many years we have been giving equal prize money to men and women, and now we are doing the same with our internal organisational structure. I’m sure Garbiñe will perfectly compliment Feliciano, and that they will both continue to work very hard to continue elevating the standards of the tournament”.
Garbiñe was thrilled and feeling ready for the adventure she is about to embark on. “Assuming the co-directorship of the Mutua Madrid Open is a huge honour. This tournament has always been committed to modernity and to breaking the mould. I’m so excited to form part of a project that continues to evolve and is not afraid to lead the way with significant changes in our sport. The Mutua Madrid Open is undoubtedly one of the best tournaments in the world; because of its organisational capacity, what it offers players, and the unique experience it brings to fans. I’m very familiar with the daily experience of players at an event of this magnitude – the needs, the demands, the small details that make a difference – and I think that awareness is essential in order to continue growing a tournament of this level. My goal, alongside Feliciano, will be to bring that experience and to help Madrid continue to set the standard at the forefront of world tennis as a modern, equitable, ambitious tournament that is fully engaged with the future of the game. I’m really excited to work on a project that is truly committed to equality between men and women, also in decision-making roles, and one that continues to forge the path for both tours”.
Feliciano, for his part, gave his new colleague at the Mutua Madrid Open a warm welcome. “The arrival of Garbiñe is fantastic news for the tournament and a clear sign of where we want to go as an organisation. Her experience at the highest level and her ability to understand both what the players need and what the fans are looking for will bring so much to the Mutua Madrid Open. She knows this tournament from the inside and she knows what makes it special. Madrid has always been a pioneer, a tournament that refuses to conform and is not afraid to innovate where others prefer to hold back. Bringing Garbiñe into the co-directorship not only strengthens the tournament from a sporting and organisational standpoint, it also bolsters our commitment to real equality between men and women in all areas of tennis, including leadership. I sincerely believe that this step confirms our ambition to continue to set the benchmark for the future of professional tennis. Garbiñe is here to contribute, to provide a necessary complimentary perspective, and to help us build a stronger, more equal and better-prepared tournament for the challenges of the years to come. I’m delighted to be working alongside her and I know that together we can take the Mutua Madrid Open even further”.
With the new dual directorship model, the Mutua Madrid Open reinforces its commitment to excellence, diversity of perspectives, and the evolution of sport, guaranteeing that its strategic decisions reflect the equality it strives for.
The event thus embarks on a new era, one in which the tournament will be co-directed by two former players with the capacity to provide complimentary perspectives on the present and future of tennis.