Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova, Maria Sharapova set for Madrid Open

World No 1 Naomi Osaka and defending champion Petra Kvitova are among a host of big-name players who have been confirmed for the 2019 Madrid Open.

Two-time Grand Slam winner Osaka will be looking to win her first match at the Spanish event as she suffered a first-round exit during her debut last year.

Kvitova, meanwhile, will be gunning for a fourth trophy on the clay in Madrid after winning her third title there last year with a three-set win over Kiki Bertens.

Current world No 3 and a two-time Madrid Open winner Simona Halep will also return along with 2014 champion Maria Sharapova, who is currently out nursing a shoulder injury.

Grand Slam winners Garbine Muguruza, Angelique Kerber and Victoria Azarenka as well as Karolina Pliskova have also been confirmed for the event that takes place from May 6-12 on the outdoor clay courts at Caja Mágica.

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