Why the Madrid Open is ‘different’ to other big clay court events – and what we can expect in 2024
It is one of the biggest events of the clay court season, with the very best of the men’s and women’s games battling it out at the Madrid Open this fortnight.
It is the first time during the clay court season that we get to see the ATP and WTA at the same tournament, with vital ranking points, huge prize money – and one of the biggest titles in tennis – all up for grabs
2024 marks 15 years since the event was first held in its current form, as a combined ATP and WTA event on clay – having previously been a men’s only event on hard courts.
But, while it is just as prestigious as the Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo and the combined event in Rome, Madrid is always a little different to both those tournaments and to the French Open.
Here, we look at why Madrid is so unique.
The big difference: altitude
Madrid is at a slightly higher altitude compared to the majority of major European cities, at around 650-700m above sea level.
That is by no means ‘high altitude’ and it is certainly not noticeable walking around the city, but it does make a difference to what players face on court.
Compared to tournaments such as Rome and Monte Carlo – which are held at an altitude of around 20 metres – the slightly thinner air means shots fly a little quicker than in the Spanish capital.
Shots will still bounce higher than on a standard hard or grass court, but the quicker pace on the ball means that the courts can sometimes play a little like a hard court, especially when the conditions are on the warmer side.
WTA Madrid draw: Aryna Sabalenka gets tricky path as Danielle Collins match looms, Iga Swiatek-Coco Gauff in top half
Why might that be difficult?
The issue this causes is that player naturally prepare for traditional clay court tennis, perhaps working on their movement around court, and how they may be able to employ topspin to their advantage.
But the extra pace on the ball means that traditional clay court movement – such as sliding – can hinder players from reaching shots with the time they would expect to play the ball.
The faster bounce of the ball can also change how players then go to hit the ball, and it is a challenge that even the very best have spoken about previously.
Just this week, Jannik Sinner – the top seed in the men’s draw this year – highlighted how he had struggled previously.
“I’m trying to understand my clay game a little bit better. Here is a little bit different than all the other tournaments because we play in altitude,” Sinner told press pre-tournament.
“The ball is higher. It’s flying and it’s quite fast, but I used to struggle quite a lot in the previous years finding my level here.
“So it’s going to be interesting to see how I’m going to play this year. I think that’s the most important thing.”
How has it affected past results?
Past results in Madrid don’t completely go against this being a clay court tournament, but a few results highlight the difference.
Unsurprisingly, the man with the most titles in Madrid over the past 15 years has been the ‘King of Clay’, Rafael Nadal, with four triumphs to his name
But while that is still and impressive haul, Nadal has not come close to emulating the numbers he has achieved in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome, or Roland Garros.
✌️@SabalenkaA | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/LxUdwQWrFK
— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) April 24, 2024
Strong clay courters such as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have found success at the tournament, as have some of the best on the WTA Tour.
Former French Open champion Simona Halep is twice a champion in Madrid and has reached two further finals, with Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams among other past winners.
But the success of Aryna Sabalenka and Petra Kvitova at the tournament would come as a surprise at other clay events.
Sabalenka has beaten two great clay courts – Ashleigh Barty and Iga Swiatek – to win her two Madrid crowns, though has never won another title on clay.
No woman can match Kvitova’s three Madrid Open triumphs, though she has only ever won two other titles on the dirt elsewhere.
The success of two of the most aggressive, hard-hitting players in the modern women’s game – two players who don’t play traditional clay tennis – is another significant indicator of Madrid’s uniqueness.
What to expect in 2024
In the women’s draw, Swiatek still has to be the favourite, considering this is a clay event.
However, Sabalenka will definitely back her chances of another strong run, and in-form Elena Rybakina also has the kind of game that should thrive in these conditions.
Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz clearly has a strong clay game, and his all-court success has probably helped him succeed at this event previously.
But, despite his reservations, Sinner should also be able to adapt his game to strong effect in the Spanish capital.
Another two-time champion who has also thrived on clay and hard, Alexander Zverev will also likely be a huge factor in the men’s draw this fortnight.
Being a big hitter is not always a useful advantage on clay, but it might be here.