Garbiñe Muguruza speaks with the serenity of someone whose life has changed completely but is still involved in tennis. Having recently become a mother and the new co-director of the Mutua Madrid Open, she is embarking on a journey that is very different but no less demanding. She now observes the tour from the inside and smiles about the future.

What’s the day-to-day life of a WTA 1000 co-director like?

I want to carefully assess all the changes, see the players area, the courts, the fan zone… do a general review and familiarize myself with everything. I also want to meet the team in person and sort out any final details. I’ll be working a lot with Feli, who has loads of experience and from whom I’ll learn a great deal this first year.

You’ll be talking to Feli a lot over the next few days…

Yes, we’ve already spoken a lot since the start of the year. We’ll be working very closely with the whole team. It’s a special tournament with two directors, so we’ll see how we coordinate our schedules and divide up the work. The first week is very long, from 11 in the morning until midnight, and it’s good to be able to support each other.

Have you had to make a lot of calls?

Quite a few. For me, it’s easy to talk with managers and players, they see me as approachable. There’ve been requests and questions, especially about the court at the Bernabeu. These last few weeks have been very busy.

What do you feel when you imagine a court in the Bernabeu?

When I went there for the promotional video I thought: “Wow”. It’s enormous. You can’t compare it to a tennis court. It’s a unique experience. I’m not sure if anything like this has been done before. The court will look tiny inside the stadium, but it’ll be unforgettable. More than the quality of the court, it’s about the experience of playing there.

Players are very meticulous. Could it affect them?

We’ll see what the feedback is. It won’t be the same quality as a club court because it’s being installed the day before, but we’re doing everything possible. Maybe it won’t be used for warming up before matches, but it’ll be an amazing experience.

Have you had to announce the wildcards for the women’s draw?

Not really. It’s been a team effort. And having Venus Williams is a bonus. She’s a legend who still shows incredible passion for tennis.

There was talk of a possible doubles pairing with Serena…

I’ve seen a bit of Serena Williams practising, but I don’t know more than that. She won’t be coming to Madrid because the wildcards have already been given out. Hopefully we’ll see that duo soon.

The women’s draw is looking very strong.

It’s Grand Slam level. Aryna Sabalenka is unstoppable right now, very solid. Elena Rybakina is the only one really challenging her at the moment and Iga Świątek is always very dangerous on clay.

Will working with Francis Roig benefit Iga?

Yes, definitely. It’s refreshing for her. She’s always wanted to learn from Rafael Nadal’s environment and that will give her motivation and confidence.

Could Madrid become the fifth Grand Slam?

It has everything to compete on that level. Three stadiums with roofs on clay, loads of courts, great organisation. In terms of quality, it’s second to none.

Are you worried about Paula Badosa’s situation?

Yes. I can see she’s trying with all her strength, her frustration, her fight. It’s tough. But I think she’s one tournament away from changing everything. In Madrid she could have a chance, although playing at home is demanding too.

This year there’ll be some young talent from Madrid.

It’s wonderful. Having players from Madrid really motivates the public and the young people. Having a tournament like this in your city has a huge impact.

What sort of requests do the players make?

Nothing out of the ordinary: hotels, accreditations… the usual things. The tournament is already very well organised.

Is it complicated to manage accreditations?

Yes, you need to be careful with space. Teams have grown a lot in recent years and you have to keep things balanced.

Are you worried about the uncertainty surrounding the WTA Finals?

It’s still very early. The situation is being monitored day by day. We’re in April and the tournament is in autumn, but we have to prepare now. There are still no clear answers.

Was it important to get Rybakina back in the fight at the top?

Yes. In women’s tennis, there isn’t such a clear rivalry as in the men’s. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are much more dominant. On the women’s tour, things change more often. Rybakina is very solid now and could fight for the number one spot.

Will singles players be encouraged to form doubles pairs?

It very much depends on the players. In long tournaments, some are up for it, but on clay there are also those who prefer to rest.