Seb Korda: the youngest of an astonishing family shines in Madrid
There are sporty families, extremely sporty families, and then there are the Kordas. Five members: three professional tennis players and two great champion golfers. One of them is still going strong at the Mutua Madrid Open. However, tomorrow he will have a mountain to claim when he faces third seed Daniil Medvedev. In tennis circles, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Rybakina passes opening test to book Sherif showdown
Elena Rybakina prefers to play on faster surfaces, but judging by her results so far this season, it’s obvious that irrespective of her locale, the odds of her making it to finals weekend are always pretty high. The world No.4 has reached at least the quarter-finals in seven of the eight tournaments she has contested […]
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 […]
Jabeur battles past Schmiedlova, with a little help from a special local
Ons Jabeur’s connection with Madrid runs deep. Not only is the city the site of her greatest triumph so far – she lifted the trophy at the Caja Magica in 2022 – it’s also home to her favourite football team, Real Madrid. “Obviously I love Madrid so much, my favourite football team is from here […]
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 […]