Nadal’s influence on clay, Ruud and Tsitsipas have their say
Rafael Nadal has somehow excelled in a situation where anyone else would be expected to completely lose their way. No other surface requires the variety of shots demanded by clay, resulting in more decision making and, therefore, more opportunities to falter. The permanent workload means the rewards are not immediately reaped. The challenge posed is […]
“I can never thank Madrid enough for the love”
The resurrections of Rafael Nadal just keep on coming… and coming. On Saturday in the Caja Mágica, the Spaniard earned himself yet another opportunity, and what a way to go about it. Who said today would be Rafa Nadal’s last match in Madrid? Who dared doubt the man? After his umpteenth astonishing feat in the […]
Nadal grants another wish in Madrid
The vociferous welcome from a packed Manolo Santana Stadium proved to be the prelude to a special afternoon. With a standing ovation that was fitting for the magnitude of his legacy, the Mutua Madrid Open’s centre court handed Rafael Nadal one of the most potent weapons available: a huge demonstration of affection. With the roof […]
Perfect opener for Sinner at the MMOPEN
Jannik Sinner showed why he is the number one seed in the men’s competition at the Mutua Madrid Open with a straightforward win on Saturday over Lorenzo Sonego (6-0, 6-3) in an all-Italian clash in the Manolo Santana Stadium. “I know him really well because we play Davis Cup together and we are good friends. […]
Monteiro serves up a surprise to send Tsitsipas packing
Thiago Monteiro spent a good portion of his childhood being driven around by his older brother Faber for hours and hours, from one tournament to another across Brazil, trying to make it as a young tennis player. He was adopted as a newborn baby and his mother Fatima raised him and his siblings as a […]
Zverev and Rune dazzle under the lights of the Caja Mágica
On the brink of the first weekend of the Mutua Madrid Open, Friday’s night session was a barnstormer. Alexander Zverev (4) and Holger Rune (11) had the fans of Madrid in raptures in the Manolo Santana and Arantxa Sánchez stadiums. The German hit 19 winners, of which 5 came from his serve, to beat Croatia’s […]
Nadal gives Alcaraz the nod for the Olympics
The Balearic Islander spoke of his excitement of competing at Paris 2024 with the Murcia native Who wouldn’t want to see Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz form a team at the Olympic Games? The response from tennis lovers around the world would surely be unanimous; they would love it. The Spaniards, even more so. The […]
“We’re back, Madrid!”
“We’re back, Madrid!” read the message Carlos Alcaraz scrawled on the camera straight after winning his first-round match. He came through his first match since losing to Grigor Dimitrov in Miami with a resounding 6-2, 6-1. In his post-match press conference, there was a good deal of interest about how the Murcia native was feeling […]
Alcaraz hits the ground running in Madrid
Champions have a unique ability to step fearlessly into unknown territory and Carlos Alcaraz has an opportunity to do just that in Madrid. On Friday, the Spaniard began his campaign in the Caja Mágica, where he is vying to become the first player to win three consecutive Mutua Madrid Open titles. At just 20 years […]
Nadal: “Saturday is a chance to test myself”
Nadal’s first step at the Mutua Madrid Open was little more than a warm-up. The Spaniard only needed one hour to cruise past the young Darwin Blanch, giving himself the opportunity to enjoy another match in the Spanish capital. Without having had to push his body too hard, the Balearic Islander was in a pragmatic […]
