With six days left until it gets underway, the Mutua Madrid Open organizers have announced that Francesca Schiavone will play in the main draw of the tournament thanks to an invitation granted to her in recognition of a successful career that will come to an end this season.

“I would like to thank the organizers of the tournament for the invitation”, said Schiavone after hearing the news. “I am really happy. The Mutua Madrid Open is a tournament that is growing a lot each year and that is very interesting”, continued the Italian. “It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m ready to make the most of it”.

The 36-year-old Italian is saying goodbye to the tour this season having started her professional career in 1998, nearly two decades ago. During that time, Schiavone has become known for the passion, sacrifice and work she has dedicated to the world of tennis. The Italian, 2010 French Open champion and world number four in 2011, was crowned champion in Bogota a few weeks ago, proving that she has not lost her touch.

The Mutua Madrid Open wanted to reward the Italian for her career and the values she has shown on the court by giving her an invitation to play in the tournament’s final draw and allow her to say her goodbyes to the Spanish fans in the Caja Mágica, which will be the epicenter of world tennis in the coming days.