The 2026 Mutua Madrid Open got underway on Monday in the Caja Magica. While thousands of fans poured into the venue to watch the first qualifying matches, the headquarters of Mutua Madrileña on Paseo de la Castellana was decked out to host the tournament’s official presentation. Ignacio Garralda, president of the Mutua Group, welcomed José Luis Martínez-Almeida, the Mayor of Madrid; Feliciano López and Garbiñe Muguruza, the tournament’s co-directors; and Coco Gauff and Casper Ruud, two of the big stars who will be competing in Madrid over the coming days.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be here. Thank you to Ignacio and the whole team for 20 years of sponsoring the tournament. It’s kept growing and you’ve always supported us. Mutua is a company that feels like our own. They’re always there”, Martínez-Almeida said during the presentation. “I’m very proud of this tournament, Madrid is a sporting city and we have major sporting events, but none represent us as much as the Mutua Madrid Open. For us it’s the great sporting occasion. It’s put us on the map in the sporting world. It’s a big window we’ve opened into Madrid. Next year we’ll celebrate 25 years”.
At the event, hosted by journalist Juanma Castaño, the rapport between Feliciano López and Garbiñe Muguruza was clear to see. The former tennis player is making her debut this year as the event’s co-director, a role she is excited to fill. “If I’m honest, I’m a bit nervous, the Mutua Madrid Open is the only WTA event we have in Spain and it’s a real privilege to have it. For me, being part of this family is a dream come true. I have Feli by my side, the very best, to help me with all his experience. I hope I can contribute as much as possible to improve this tournament. We’ve shared lots of experiences together, tennis is in our DNA and it’s a really lovely partnership”, said the former WTA world number one.
Feliciano reminded everyone that, in addition to Garbiñe’s arrival, this year the tournament has introduced a new practice court in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. “We always have the ambition to improve and grow. We feel very fortunate to have this tournament in Madrid. Thanks to Ignacio, the mayor, and the city council, the tournament has reached heights that once seemed impossible”.
Ignacio Garralda picked up on this and wanted to highlight Mutua Madrileña’s commitment. “We’ve now been sponsoring the tournament for 20 years and we’ve happily watched it grow into a healthy adult. Over time it’s become an international event, and that’s thanks to the organisers’ hard work. We’re delighted, as a company we always think long-term, and this is the clearest example”.
2025 champion Casper Ruud was also full of praise for the tournament. “I have very fond memories from last year. It’s the best title I’ve won in my career and whenever I come to Madrid I’ll have that memory. It’s a very special tournament for me because I came here with my grandmother when I was ten years old”.
For her part, Coco Gauff, runner-up in 2025, highlighted Madrid’s ‘energy’, with fans always supporting the players. “I love Madrid and I love that special energy it has. I really like coming to this tournament, because for me it marks the start of my clay court season.”