Here’s all you need to know ahead of this year’s Madrid Open as Andrey Rublev and Iga Swiatek defend their titles.
A stacked men’s side of the draw sees Novak Djokovic projected to meet Britain’s Jack Draper in the quarter-finals and Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals – provided the latter gets over his lower back issues to compete.
Alexander Zverev top seeds on the other half of the draw, and is likely to face a tough opener vs Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round. Defending champion Rublev is likely to face France’s Gael Monfils for his opening clash in the second round.
On the women’s side of things, Emma Raducanu will open her campaign against Dutch world No 69 Suzan Lamens, with Aryna Sabalenka a potential quarter-final opponent.
Raducanu, who has been practising on the red dirt in the Spanish capital, faces a tough opening test against 25-year-old Lamens who reached the semi-finals of the Open de Rouen this week before losing to third seed Olga Danilovic.
The British star produced an encouraging Miami Open run last month by making the quarter-finals before bowing out to world No 4 Jessica Pegula.
Despite the loss, Raducanu’s run to the final eight, which included an impressive win against top-10 player Emma Navarro, marked her best performance in a tournament since being crowned 2021 US Open champion.
Mark Petchey has been linked with Raducanu as she looks for a full-time coach
World No 47 Raducanu will now mark her return to action in Madrid where Marta Kostyuk could be a second-round opponent, with world No 1 Sabalenka lurking in the last eight should they both progress through the draw.
The 2021 US Open champion is looking for a new coach after teaming up with her former mentors Jane O’Donoghue and Mark Petchey in Miami.
When is the Madrid Open and what is the schedule?
The tournament will be held from April 22-May 4.
The clay-court tournament, established in 2002, takes place at the Park Manzanares in the Spanish capital.
Madrid Open ATP 2025: Schedule
-
April 23-24: First Round
-
April 25-26: Second Round
-
April 27-28: Third Round
-
April 29: Round of 16
-
April 30-May 1: Quarterfinals
-
May 2: Semifinals
-
May 3: (Men’s Doubles And Women’s Singles Finals)
-
May 4: Final
Will clay suit Raducanu’s game?
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Martina Navratilova and Henman were impressed with Raducanu’s resilience during her defeat to Jessica Pegula in Miami
Laura Robson has backed the 22-year-old to shine on clay this year with Raducanu playing only a limited clay-court programme last year, as she opted against playing in qualifying for the French Open in favour of preparing for the grass-court season.
“I’m sure Emma would like to do well on clay and grass this year and play a full schedule,” said Robson.
“Clay is great for developing all areas of the game. Tactically, it’s a great surface to learn how to turn around matches when you are behind in slower conditions.
“Clay conditions change so much depending on the weather and where you are playing.
“Madrid is always so different to Rome and it might be that one set of conditions suits Emma better than the other.”
Watch the Madrid Open – live on Sky Sports
Brits Jack Draper, Raducanu, Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal return to action at the Madrid Open, while Novak Djokovic will be playing under the watchful eye of coach Andy Murray.
The biggest names in tennis will be competing for the ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 titles.
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as the US Open in New York, live on Sky Sports in 2025 or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
