Carla Suárez has provided one of the happiest images of the day at the Mutua Madrid Open. The Canary Islander, who recently announced that she has overcome the Hodgkin’s lymphoma she was diagnosed with last August, visited the Caja Mágica to complete her first training session in the Spanish capital.

The ex-world No. 6 completed a practice session in Stadium 3 with Russian player Daria Kasatkina, one of the players in the final draw of Madrid’s WTA 1000. Throughout the week, in parallel with the competition, the Canary Islander will continue to prepare for her return to the tour to cap off a brilliant career on the courts.

“I’m very grateful to the tournament for this opportunity. Being in the Caja Mágica during these days and being able to train at a high level really helps my preparations to return to competition”, Suárez admitted with a smile. “I’ve been able to meet up with some of my peers again after a long time, to feel the atmosphere on the tour that I miss so much and to experience the competition bubble first hand”.

A fan favourite, Carla has a notable record at the Mutua Madrid Open. Her game, which is admired around the world, has always had that extra something in the Spanish capital. In one of the most demanding fields on the clay swing, the Canary Islander has made a huge impression with three victories over top-10 players, twice reaching the quarter-finals (2015, 2018) and playing in two doubles finals (2014, 2015) with Garbiñe Muguruza.

“I’m sure this year will be different for everyone”, added Suárez. “The tournament has made a huge effort to organise the event again with very high safety standards. The courts are perfect and I hope we enjoy a great show”.