The time has come for another combined ATP Masters and WTA 1000 tournament, the Mutua Madrid Open played at the Caja Magica in Spain where the best players in the world on both tours have gathered to compete for the prestigious title.
On the men’s side, Carlos Alcaraz returns after missing Monte-Carlo and Barcelona due to injury and Rafael Nadal continues his comeback against 16-year-old Darwin Blanch in the opening round. Meanwhile, Casper Ruud (Barcelona champion) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (Monte-Carlo champion), the two most in-form players in the draw, will be looking to continue their dominance on the red dirt with a third straight singles final appearance. Jan-Lennard Struff won his home event in Munich over the weekend and will be a name to watch in Madrid.
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On the women’s side, Elena Rybakina (Stuttgart winner) and Sloane Stephens (Rouen winner) arrive in Madrid with lots of momentum after claiming titles on Sunday. Not to mention that Rybakina has already won three trophies in 2024 and Stephens is a former Roland-Garros runner up. Still though, the field might be hard-pressed to prevent another Iga Swiatek vs. Aryna Sabalenka championship match after the top two dueled for the title last year at Caja Magica.
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100 Weeks at the Top for Swiatek
Speaking of Swiatek, the Pole is celebrating 100 weeks as the World No. 1 on the WTA Tour. At just 22 years of age, she joins an elite group of nine players who have accomplished the impressive feat including Steffi Graf, (377), Martina Navratilova (332), Serena Williams (319), Chris Evert (260), Martina Hingis (209), Monica Seles (178), Ashleigh Barty (121) and Justine Henin (117).
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Muguruza Hangs up her Racquet
On Saturday, at the age of 30, former World No. 1 Garbiñe Muguruza announced her retirement from professional tennis. In addition to sitting atop the rankings, the talented Spaniard won two Grand Slam singles titles, reached two more Major finals, claimed a WTA Finals victory and earned nearly $25 million in career prize money. At her best, Muguruza was dazzling and could beat anyone on any surface.
Feature photo: Mutua Madrid Open
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