A year after their memorable Mutua Madrid Open final, where Iga Swiatek narrowly defeated Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling three-set match considered one of the best of the year, both players are set to return to Madrid.
The world`s top two players will once again be the main attractions at this year`s tournament. Since their epic clash in Madrid, both Swiatek and Sabalenka have added Grand Slam titles to their names, with Swiatek winning Roland Garros and Sabalenka claiming the US Open. They continued their rivalry with two more matches in 2024, Swiatek winning in Rome and Sabalenka taking victory in Cincinnati. Their head-to-head record stands at 12 matches, and they haven`t faced each other since Cincinnati.
Joining Swiatek and Sabalenka, former Madrid champions Petra Kvitova and Ons Jabeur will also compete in the main draw. The tournament will feature a total of 15 Grand Slam champions, including Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, Elena Rybakina, Barbora Krejcikova, Jelena Ostapenko, Victoria Azarenka, Marketa Vondrousova, Emma Raducanu, Naomi Osaka, and Bianca Andreescu.
The Madrid Open entry list includes all Top 72 players from the WTA rankings as of March 17th, along with four players using special rankings: Petra Kvitova, Sorana Cirstea, Bianca Andreescu, and Anastasija Sevastova.
Jaqueline Cristian, ranked No. 72, is the last direct entry. The alternates list includes Katie Volynets, Caroline Garcia, Caroline Dolehide, Eva Lys, Kamilla Rakhimova, Zeynep Sonmez, Emiliana Arango, Maya Joint, Laura Siegemund, and Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
Rupert Caldwell