2026 Mutua Madrid Open
2026-04-20 00:00 - 2026-05-03 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) | Caja Mágica, Cmo. de Perales, 23, Usera, Madrid, 28041, Spain
The Mutua Madrid Open has long been the crown jewel of the European clay-court swing, blending high-stakes athleticism with the undeniable glamour of the Spanish capital. As we look ahead to the 2026 edition, the tournament continues its legacy as a mandatory ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event, drawing the world’s elite to the iconic “Caja Mágica.”

Whether you are a die-hard tennis aficionado or a casual fan looking to soak up the atmosphere in Madrid, this evergreen guide provides everything you need to know about the 2026 tournament, from the star-studded entry lists to the precise breakdown of the multi-million Euro prize pool.

Tournament Overview: Dates and Venue

The 2026 Mutua Madrid Open is scheduled to take place over two action-packed weeks, beginning on Monday, April 20, and concluding on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

The Venue: Caja Mágica (The Magic Box)

Located in the San Fermín neighborhood along the Manzanares River, the Caja Mágica is widely considered one of the most technologically advanced tennis facilities in the world. Designed by architect Dominique Perrault, the structure is famous for its three main stadiums—Manolo Santana, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario, and Court 3—all of which feature retractable roofs.

This architectural marvel ensures that play can continue regardless of Madrid’s unpredictable spring showers. The facility isn’t just about tennis; it’s a social hub where Real Madrid footballers, international celebrities, and thousands of fans converge to witness world-class sport on the “red dirt.”

The 2026 Tournament Schedule

The schedule for 2026 follows the expanded two-week format, allowing for a 96-player singles draw for both the ATP and WTA. This allows for a more relaxed pace in the early rounds while ensuring every day is packed with high-quality matchups.

DateSession TypeKey Events/RoundsMon, April 20DayATP & WTA Qualifying 1st RoundTue, April 21DayWTA Main Draw 1st Round / ATP Qualifying 2nd RoundWed, April 22DayATP & WTA 1st Round Main DrawThu, April 23DayWTA 2nd Round / ATP 1st RoundFri, April 24Day/NightATP 2nd Round / WTA 2nd RoundSat, April 25Day/NightATP 2nd Round / WTA 3rd RoundSun, April 26Day/NightATP 3rd Round / WTA 3rd RoundMon, April 27Day/NightATP 3rd Round / WTA Round of 16Tue, April 28Day/NightATP Round of 16 / WTA QuarterfinalsWed, April 29Day/NightATP Quarterfinals / WTA QuarterfinalsThu, April 30Day/NightATP Quarterfinals / WTA SemifinalsFri, May 1Day/NightATP Semifinals / WTA Doubles SemifinalsSat, May 2DayWTA Singles Final / ATP Doubles FinalSun, May 3DayATP Singles Final / WTA Doubles Final

Note: The “Night Sessions” at the Manolo Santana Stadium are legendary for their electric atmosphere, often lasting well into the Spanish night.

Prize Money and Ranking Points

The 2026 Mutua Madrid Open offers a total prize purse of €8,235,540, reflecting its status as one of the most lucrative stops on the tour. In a continuing effort toward gender equality in sport, the prize money structure is designed to reward players significantly as they progress through the grueling 96-player draw.

Singles Prize Money (ATP & WTA)

RoundPrize MoneyRanking PointsWinner€1,007,1651,000Finalist€535,585650 (ATP) / 650 (WTA)Semifinalist€297,550400 (ATP) / 390 (WTA)Quarterfinalist€169,375200 (ATP) / 215 (WTA)Round of 16€92,470100 (ATP) / 120 (WTA)Round of 32€54,11050 (ATP) / 65 (WTA)Round of 64€31,58530 (ATP) / 35 (WTA)Round of 96€21,28510

Doubles Prize Money (Per Team)

RoundPrize MoneyRanking PointsWinner€409,5201,000Finalist€216,800600 (ATP) / 650 (WTA)Semifinalist€116,430360 (ATP) / 390 (WTA)Quarterfinalist€58,220180 (ATP) / 215 (WTA)Round of 16€31,22090 (ATP) / 120 (WTA)Round of 32€17,0600 (ATP) / 10 (WTA)

The 2026 Entry List: Who to Watch

The 2026 entry list is a “Who’s Who” of tennis royalty. Madrid’s altitude and clay conditions favor players who can combine power with heavy topspin.

ATP Top Seeds

The men’s side is headlined by home favorite Carlos Alcaraz, who looks to reclaim his throne in Madrid. However, he faces stiff competition from the world’s top-ranked players:

Carlos Alcaraz (ESP): The two-time champion (2022, 2023) and the darling of the Spanish crowd.

Jannik Sinner (ITA): Known for his blistering pace, Sinner’s game has become increasingly dangerous on clay.

Novak Djokovic (SRB): The veteran legend who always remains a threat for the title.

Alexander Zverev (GER): A former champion whose serve-and-volley style thrives in Madrid’s thin air.

Lorenzo Musetti (ITA): A clay-court specialist with a beautiful one-handed backhand.

Other notable names in the top 20 include Ben Shelton, Daniil Medvedev, and the rising Czech star Jakub Mensik.

WTA Top Seeds

The women’s draw is arguably more competitive than ever, with the “Big Three” of women’s tennis leading the pack:

Aryna Sabalenka: A powerhouse whose game is perfectly suited for the faster clay in Madrid.

Elena Rybakina (KAZ): Her flat hitting and massive serve make her a nightmare to play at altitude.

Iga Swiatek (POL): The undisputed queen of clay, though Madrid’s faster conditions have historically been her biggest challenge on this surface.

Coco Gauff (USA): The athletic American continues to improve her clay-court sliding and defensive prowess.

Jessica Pegula (USA): A model of consistency who has reached the deep stages in Madrid before.

Keep an eye on Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu, who appear in the top 25 and look to make deep runs on the dirt.

Important Info: What Makes Madrid Unique?

To truly appreciate the Mutua Madrid Open, one must understand the nuances that differentiate it from other clay-court tournaments like Monte Carlo or Roland Garros.

1. The Altitude Factor

Madrid sits at approximately 650 meters (2,100 feet) above sea level. In the world of tennis, this is “high altitude.” The air is thinner, meaning the ball moves faster through the air and bounces significantly higher. This often favors “big servers” and “power hitters” who might otherwise struggle on the slower clay of Paris.

2. The “Caja Mágica” Atmosphere

The tournament is famous for its “Blue Clay” controversy of 2012 (which was quickly reverted to traditional red), but its current identity is defined by its energy. Because the main court is somewhat enclosed, the sound of the ball hitting the strings echoes like a gunshot. The Spanish fans are passionate, vocal, and deeply supportive of their local heroes.

3. Celebrity Sightings

Don’t be surprised if the camera pans to the front row and catches icons like Cristiano Ronaldo or current Real Madrid stars like Vinícius Júnior. The tournament is a major stop on the European social calendar, blending high fashion with high-performance sport.

4. Transition to Clay

While the tournament began as an indoor hard-court event in 2002, its move to clay in 2009 cemented its place as a vital warm-up for the French Open. It is the second of the three “Masters 1000” clay events (following Monte Carlo and preceding Rome).

Conclusion

The 2026 Mutua Madrid Open promises to be a landmark event in the tennis calendar. With a prize pool exceeding €8 million and a field featuring legends like Djokovic alongside the new era of Alcaraz and Sinner, the stakes have never been higher. Whether you are watching for the tactical masterclass on the red clay or the celebrity-filled stands of the Caja Mágica, Madrid remains an unmissable spectacle.

For live scores, draws, and official updates, fans are encouraged to visit the official website at www.mutuamadridopen.com.

2026 Italian Open
2026-04-28 00:00 - 2026-05-17 23:59 (Europe/Rome) | Foro Italico, Viale dei Gladiatori, Roma, 00135, Italy
As the spring sun begins to bake the red clay of Europe, the tennis world turns its collective gaze toward the Tiber. The 2026 Internazionali BNL d’Italia, affectionately known as the Italian Open, isn’t just another stop on the tour; it’s a sensory explosion of espresso, history, and world-class athletics.

Held at the iconic Foro Italico in Rome from April 28 to May 17, 2026, this edition marks the 83rd chapter of a tournament that has evolved from a boutique event into a sprawling, multi-week “Mini-Slam.” Whether you’re a die-hard Sinner fan or a casual observer of the clay-court grind, here is everything you need to know about the most prestigious event of the European clay swing outside of Paris.

Tournament Dates and Venue: The Modernized Foro Italico

The 2026 edition continues the expanded format, stretching the excitement over nearly three weeks. This ensures that fans get more tennis and players get more recovery time—though “recovery” is a relative term when you’re sliding around for three hours in the Roman heat.

Pre-Qualifying & Qualifying: April 28 – May 5, 2026

Main Draw (ATP & WTA): May 6 – May 17, 2026

Venue: Foro Italico Park, Rome, Italy

A €160 Million Transformation

The 2026 tournament debuts a massive €160 million restyling project aimed at turning the Foro Italico into a year-round multifunctional sports hub. For the fans, this means a significantly upgraded experience:

The New SuperTennis Arena: Located near the former Youth Hostel along Viale delle Olimpiadi, this new polygonal structure is designed to bring fans closer to the court than ever before.

BNP Paribas Arena: Formerly known as the Grand Stand Arena, it has been completely redesigned and relocated to the Stadio dei Marmi area, now boasting a capacity of over 7,000 spectators amidst the famous marble statues.

Green Initiatives: Large asphalted areas have been replaced with natural paving and expanded green spaces, making the trek between the 19 on-site courts much more scenic.

Provisional Schedule: The Road to the Finals

While the exact order of play is released daily, the tournament follows a reliable rhythm. Note that the Italian Open is a joint ATP and WTA 1000 event, meaning the world’s best men and women share the stage simultaneously.

PhaseDatesKey HighlightsPre-QualifyingApril 28 – May 3Local Italian hopefuls battle for Wild Card spots.QualifyingMay 4 – May 5The “grind” to enter the main draw.Main Draw: Rounds 1 & 2May 6 – May 10The seeds begin their campaigns.Round of 16 & QuarterfinalsMay 11 – May 14The field thins; intensity rises.WTA SemifinalsMay 15The final four women battle for a spot in the final.ATP SemifinalsMay 16The men’s penultimate showdowns.Championship SundayMay 17Both Men’s and Women’s Singles Finals.

Daily Schedule and Scores

The Stars to Watch: Glory, Grit, and a Notable Absence

The 2026 field is as deep as a Roman archeological dig, featuring nearly every member of the Top 20 in both the PIF ATP and WTA Rankings. However, the headlines are dominated by a mix of local hope and a major injury blow.

The ATP Field: Sinner’s Quest for Home Glory

With Jannik Sinner currently sitting at World No. 1, the pressure in Rome will be atmospheric. Sinner enters 2026 in terrifyingly good form, having already secured the “Sunshine Double” (Indian Wells and Miami) and the Monte Carlo title this season.

The Italian Drought: No Italian man has won the singles title in Rome since Adriano Panatta in 1976. Sinner, who reached the final in 2025, is the heavy favorite to end that 50-year wait.

Novak Djokovic: The six-time champion and active record holder remains the “Final Boss” of Rome. Despite the rise of the youth, Djokovic’s tactical mastery on the Foro Italico clay is legendary.

Alexander Zverev: A two-time champion (2017, 2024), Zverev’s high-bounce game is perfectly suited for the Roman conditions.

Daniil Medvedev: Once a self-proclaimed “clay hater,” his 2023 title here proved he can win on any surface.

The Alcaraz Heartbreak

In a major blow to the tournament and the fans, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn. A persistent wrist injury sustained in Barcelona has forced the Spaniard to skip both Rome and Roland Garros. This leaves a significant power vacuum in the draw and denies fans a potential Sinner-Alcaraz final rematch.

The WTA Field: A Three-Way Rivalry

The women’s draw is headlined by a “Big Three” that has dominated the clay in recent years:

Aryna Sabalenka (World No. 1): After a runner-up finish in 2024, Sabalenka is hungry for her first Rome title. Her power game is a fascinating contrast to the slow clay.

Iga Swiatek: The three-time champion remains the “Queen of Clay.” With new coach Francisco Roig (formerly of Rafael Nadal’s team) in her corner, her movement and top-spin are expected to be even more lethal.

Jasmine Paolini: As the 2025 champion, Paolini will carry the hopes of the home crowd. Her tenacity and speed make her a nightmare opponent in long rallies.

Prize Money and Rankings Points (ATP)

The ATP has confirmed a total financial commitment of €8,235,540 for 2026. As a premier Masters 1000 event featuring a 96-player singles draw, the distribution ensures that excellence is rewarded at every stage. For the champion, the victory in Rome is now a million-euro achievement, cementing the tournament’s status alongside the world’s most lucrative sporting events.

ATP Singles: Prize Money & Points

The men’s singles champion will walk away with over €1 million, but the financial health of the tour is also reflected in the early rounds. A player exiting in the opening round (R96) still secures over €21,000, essential for sustaining a professional career.

RoundPointsPrize MoneyWinner1,000€1,007,165Finals650€535,585SF400€297,550Quarter-Finals200€169,375Round of 16100€92,470Round of 3250€54,110Round of 6430€31,585Round of 9610€21,285Qualifier 210€12,360Qualifier 10€6,410

ATP Doubles: The Tactical Grind

Doubles play in Rome remains a centerpiece of the tournament, with the winning duo splitting a substantial prize that reflects the grueling nature of best-of-three sets on slow clay.

RoundPointsPrize MoneyWinner1,000€409,520Finals600€216,800SF360€116,430Quarter-Finals180€58,220Round of 1690€31,220Round of 320€17,060

WTA Prize Money: The Breakthrough Year

The 2026 Italian Open marks a monumental shift for the women’s draw. With a total of $8,312,293 up for grabs in the singles draw, the tournament has effectively achieved—and in some rounds, exceeded—the financial benchmarks of the men’s side. This significant investment highlights the WTA’s successful roadmap toward equal pay, providing the world’s best female athletes with the compensation their “gladiatorial” efforts deserve.

WTA Singles: Rankings & Prize Money

The champion in the women’s draw will earn €1,055,285 (approximately $1,234,235), a figure that now edges past the ATP champion’s payout, underscoring Rome’s commitment to being a leader in sports equality.

RoundPointsPrize Money (EUR)Approx. (USD)Champion1,000€1,055,285$1,234,235Finalist650€549,335$642,488Semifinalists390€289,115$338,142Quarterfinalists215€150,000$175,436Round of 16120€79,510$92,993Round of 3265€46,080$53,894Round of 6435€25,515$29,842Round of 9610€15,815$18,497

WTA Doubles

The doubles champions are also seeing a significant payday, set to take home €368,630 (approximately $431,140) along with 1,000 ranking points.

Important Fan Information

Ticketing

Tickets for the Internazionali BNL d’Italia are notoriously hot commodities. They are divided into several categories:

Campo Centrale: Provides access to the main stadium and all outer courts.

BNP Paribas Arena: Reserved seating for the secondary show court.

Ground Pass: Allows access to all outer courts, including the new SuperTennis Arena (subject to capacity).

Members of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP) enjoy discounts ranging from 10% to 20%.

The Atmosphere

Rome is different from the polite quiet of Wimbledon or the clinical efficiency of Indian Wells. The crowd is vocal, passionate, and sometimes fickle. Expect whistles, operatic cheers, and a lot of hand gestures.

Pro Tip: If you’re attending, wear comfortable shoes. The Foro Italico is a vast complex, and the walk between the Stadio dei Marmi and the Campo Centrale involves navigating crowds and historic stone paths.

Why 2026 is a Landmark Year

The 2026 Internazionali BNL d’Italia feels like the dawn of a new era. We are seeing the transition from the “Big Three” dominance to a world where Jannik Sinner is the undisputed protagonist on home soil. Simultaneously, the tournament’s physical transformation reflects its ambition to be seen as the “fifth Grand Slam.”

With Alcaraz out, the path is clear for a new challenger to emerge—or for a veteran like Djokovic to remind the world why he owns the record books. Between the scent of the pines, the red dust in the air, and the roar of the Roman crowd, the 2026 edition is set to be an unforgettable chapter in tennis history.

Arrivederci at the Foro!
