Not all tournaments mean the same thing. For Paula Badosa and Jéssica Bouzas, Madrid is clearly much more than just another stop on the calendar. It’s an emotional venue, a tournament that is close to their hearts, and a court that, for different reasons, occupies a special place in their careers.

For Paula, with what Madrid has meant in her career and by how she speaks of it, this bond is clear. The Catalan returns to a tournament that marked one of the major turning points in her tennis, the stage where, five years ago, she reached the semi-finals and truly broke through to another competitive dimension. Thus, her relationship with the Caja Magica runs much deeper. “Madrid is a city I really enjoy, where I’ve lived for many years and I feel at home”, she explained. She’s also made it clear that the home advantage can be a huge benefit: “It can help a lot if I connect with the positive side of the crowd”.

This emotional factor carries even more weight in her current situation. Badosa makes no secret of the fact that she is going through turbulent times, but she also stressed the positive side of her current situation: “Physically, I’m responding well, which is very positive. Now I just have to slowly piece together the puzzle”. In this context, returning to Madrid strengthens the sense of opportunity. Not just because of the competition, but also because of what the place means. It’s where she first made a big impact at the top level, and Paula wants to feel competitive again. “I think when I find myself, my tennis will follow”, she explained. The former world number two feels safe in the knowledge that she’s overcome tough times before and has unwavering faith she can do so again.

Jéssica Bouzas’ connection with Madrid includes a different but no-less powerful nuance. Two years ago, arriving as world number 93, she came through qualifying and won in the first round on centre court against none other than Paula Badosa, a player she looks up to. It was an extraordinary result and one of the first major statements of her career, a bold introduction on one of the most demanding and visible stages of Spanish tennis.

As she talks about the tournament, it is clear that memory remains fresh in her mind. “I’m really happy, so pleased to be in Spain”, she told the press. There is no doubt what Madrid means to her: “It’s a bit like coming home, and one of my favourite tournaments”. Bouzas also recalled her fondness for the event from her early years, when she received invitations to play in the qualifiers. “Ever since I was given wildcards to play qualies, it’s always been a tournament I’ve been particularly excited about”, she said.

During the Galician’s steady rise through the ranks, certain people have taken on a particular importance to her. One of them is Sara Sorribes. This Sunday, the Spaniard won a tournament after almost a year away from competition, and the whole tennis community is delighted. Jéssica even more so. When talking about her, Bouzas didn’t just praise a fellow tour player; she spoke about her with deep admiration. “I get goosebumps talking about her”, she said, as she emotionally remembered Sorribes’ help early on, the advice she received, and, above all, a way of approaching the profession grounded in humility, hard work and making the most of every resource.

To Bouzas, Sara is a good friend, but she’s much more than that, she’s proof that in tennis, talent matters, but so do hard work and determination. Sorribes is a role model, a player who has built her strength through daily hard work and remains a respected figure in the locker room.

Bouzas already knows what it’s like to experience a special moment in Madrid, when these role models take on a special value. They’re no longer just abstract sources of inspiration, they also help to put the journey, the rate of growth, and the need to look beyond immediate results into perspective.

Thus the two players arrive at the Caja Magica. Paula, holding on to the most hopeful part of her present, glad to compete pain free and confident that the rest will fall into place. Jéssica, focused on continuing to grow and learning from role models like Sara Sorribes. Two different realities, two different moods, and one city as the stage to keep progressing.