Krejcikova finding her clay footing in Madrid
This time last year, Barbora Krejcikova was in the middle of a three-month hiatus from the tour, nursing an elbow injury, and wondering if she would be able to take to the courts at Roland-Garros for her title defence. She attempted to play in Paris, but lost her opener, and it wasn’t until the end […]
Focused Rublev passes Wawrinka test
By Reem Abulleil Andrey Rublev waited a long time before finally lifting a maiden Masters 1000 trophy in Monte Carlo earlier this month. Now he has one request: Just give him some breathing room before quizzing him on when he plans to win another one! “You guys start to put pressure, ‘How good can you […]
Paula Badosa digs deep
Paula Badosa’s opener at the Mutua Madrid Open on Thursday was no walk in the park. But opening with a win will give her a confidence boost and allow her to continue the good form she has shown since the start of the clay swing. The Spaniard needed two and a half hours to see […]
Sakkari tips her hat to Antetokounmpo as she storms into Madrid second round
By Reem Abulleil Maria Sakkari has always been open about the mental challenges tennis players have to deal with on a weekly basis on tour. In a sport like tennis, all players aim for victories but somehow must prepare themselves to lose almost every week, considering there is only one eventual champion in the entire […]
Sherif proud to fly flag for Egypt and Arab world
By Reem Abulleil Tunisian Ons Jabeur unfortunately had to miss out on the opportunity to defend her Mutua Madrid Open title due to a calf injury but in her absence, Egyptian Mayar Sherif is proud to be representing the Arab and North African region at the Caja Magica this fortnight. The highest-ranked Egyptian woman in […]
Medvedev: «My goal is to find my A-game»
A run of 19 straight wins and the title at the Miami Open this year have confirmed Daniil Medvedev as something of a hard-court specialist. However, the 2021 US Open champion is bidding to better himself on clay and the Mutua Madrid Open will present him with a perfect opportunity to do so. Medvedev reached […]
Burillo’s love affair with the Caja Mágica lives on
Three out of three; from qualies to the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open. Irene Burillo picked up one of the biggest wins of her career on Wednesday in the Caja Mágica. The Spaniard came back to beat Estonian player Kaia Kanepi (6-7[5], 6-2, 6-4). The two and a half hours of battle on […]
Swiatek keen to solve Madrid puzzle
With such a distinguished list of accomplishments so early in her career, it’s easy to forget that Iga Swiatek is still just 21. The three-time Grand Slam champion is into her 56th consecutive week as the world No.1 and has enjoyed a fast ascent ever since she exploded onto the scene by winning the 2020 Roland-Garros […]
Five players chasing a first Masters 1000 trophy
The fourth Masters 1000 tournament of the season is upon us and the battle for top honours will no doubt be fierce at the Caja Magica this fortnight. Here are five players seeking a maiden Masters 1000 crown at this year’s Mutua Madrid Open. Casper Ruud He is a Roland-Garros and US Open finalist, was […]
Pegula: Madrid final was a big step for me
The first memory that springs to Jessica Pegula’s mind from her breakthrough run to the Mutua Madrid Open final last year was a moment at the very start of her tournament. The American was facing Camila Giorgi in her opening round and found herself staring down a match point late in the third set. Pegula […]
