Coco Gauff began the year impressively, contributing to her team`s United Cup victory and securing nine wins out of her initial ten matches in Australia. Her performance since then has been less consistent, with a 5-5 record, but she shared her belief on Tuesday that a crucial shift in momentum could be just one match away.
Speaking at the Mutua Madrid Open, Gauff commented, “I used to think I needed a string of matches to build confidence. However, many of my best results have come unexpectedly, even without extensive match practice beforehand. This has taught me that you can change your fortunes any week – but just as quickly as you find your stride, you can also falter. Therefore, I approach each tournament with a fresh viewpoint and a new mindset.”
Gauff, along with other leading players, spoke to the press on Tuesday. The 32 seeded players receive automatic byes into the second round. First-round matches are ongoing Wednesday, while the second round will be played on Thursday (for the lower half of the bracket) and Friday (for the upper half).
Here are some other points of interest as the competition at the renowned La Caja Magica intensifies:
Electronic Line Calling Preferred
One charmingly old-fashioned aspect of tennis, in contrast to modern technology, is seeing the chair umpire leave their seat to meticulously check a ball mark on the red clay. This tradition, much like physical newspapers or cash, is becoming rare.
The ATP Tour has implemented electronic line calling at all its clay court events this year, following a wider trend. The Australian Open and US Open adopted this technology in 2021, with Wimbledon set to follow later this summer. The only major tournament still resisting? Roland Garros.
Jasmine Paolini, a finalist at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon last year, stated on Tuesday that she favors the electronic system used at the Mutua Madrid Open.
“I know it might sometimes be inaccurate by a millimeter or two,” Paolini acknowledged. “But at the same time, I recall what happened to Jannik Sinner in Monte Carlo last year. The ball was out, and he didn`t realize. Humans, and umpires, can make errors.
“With the electronic system, everyone is treated equally, and there`s no need to replay points. I believe that makes it fairer.”
Dealing with Superstitions
Mirra Andreeva confessed to sometimes feeling conflicted about superstitions.
“Some days,” she remarked, “I feel compelled to sit on the umpire`s left side, thinking, `Okay, this will make me play better.` These small notions occasionally pop into my head. For instance, `Maybe I should arrange my water bottle this way,` or `Perhaps I should use the same ball I won the previous point with.`”
However, she added, “I`m trying to ignore those thoughts – to focus on playing tennis on the court rather than dwelling on superstitions.”
Dream Player Attributes
When asked about desirable traits from other players, Mirra Andreeva responded, “I`d like to have Roger Federer`s volleys,” adding, “and Carlos Alcaraz`s physical capabilities.” The reporter chuckled, commenting, “I would too.”
Jasmine Paolini`s request was singular: “Definitely a faster serve.”
Coco Gauff, on the other hand, offered a highly specific list.
“Probably Ons Jabeur`s touch,” she stated. “She has excellent touch. I`d like to incorporate the drop shot more into my game, but I sometimes struggle with its execution.
“The most frustrating thing,” Gauff continued, “is when you miss a drop shot and think, `I probably should have just hit a regular shot.` But when you land it successfully, it feels incredible – like, `Wow, I`m the best player alive.`”
Notable Statistics
- The last two Mutua Madrid Open finals featured the WTA`s top two ranked players, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. If this occurs again, it would mark the first time since 2009 that a WTA 1000 event has seen a final between the Nos. 1 and 2 players for three consecutive years.
- Iga Swiatek has the potential to become the first player to win the same WTA 1000 clay court tournament three times in a row since the format was introduced.
- Victoria Azarenka is participating in her 100th WTA 1000 main draw. Since 2009, only two other players, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (114) and Petra Kvitova (105), have reached this milestone. All three are competing in this year`s tournament.
Notes on the Top 5 Seeds
No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka: Following a tough loss in the Stuttgart final (6-4, 6-1 to Jelena Ostapenko), Sabalenka arrives in Madrid. Positively, both of her clay court titles have come in Madrid, where the higher altitude favors her powerful game by increasing ball speed.
No. 2 Iga Swiatek: Since 2009, among players with at least five matches in Madrid, Serena Williams holds the best winning percentage (20-3, .870). Swiatek has the highest among current players (13-2, .867). Swiatek`s recent tournament results include losses to teenagers Mirra Andreeva (Indian Wells) and Alexandra Eala (Miami), and a quarterfinal exit against Jelena Ostapenko in Stuttgart.
No. 3 Jessica Pegula: Pegula is enjoying a strong patch of form, with 11 wins in her last 13 matches. She was a finalist in Miami, won the title at the Credit One Charleston Open, and reached the quarterfinals in Stuttgart.
No. 4 Coco Gauff: Started the year powerfully, leading the USA to the United Cup title and accumulating a 14-6 record for the season so far. After winning her opening match in Stuttgart, she was defeated in the second round by fellow Top 10 player Jasmine Paolini. Last year in Madrid, Gauff reached the Round of 16, where she was eliminated by compatriot …
No. 5 Madison Keys: Keys secured her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open this year. She holds a strong 20-4 season record, having split her four matches across her last two events, Miami and Charleston.
Players to Watch
- Petra Kvitova is a three-time winner of the Mutua Madrid Open (2011, 2015, 2018). Since the tournament began in 2009, she has played and won more matches than any other woman (42 appearances, 32 wins). Her first-round match on Wednesday is against Katie Volynets.
- For 19-year-old Filipina Alexandra Eala, this is her first tour event since her remarkable semifinal run in Miami. She received a wild card entry in Madrid and her 6-3, 6-2 victory over Viktoriya Tomova on Tuesday means she will face an anticipated rematch against Iga Swiatek in the second round on Thursday.
- Paula Badosa. No Spanish woman has reached the Madrid final since the event started in 2009. Paula Badosa came closest, reaching the semifinals in 2021. She has been dealing with two separate back injuries. She confirmed on Tuesday that she expects to play her second-round match on Friday.
- Only three women have won the Madrid title while ranked world No. 1: Serena Williams (2013), Iga Swiatek (2024), and Dinara Safina (2009). Safina is present this year, coaching World No. 13 seed Diana Shnaider.
Rupert Caldwell