The line‑ups for the Mutua Madrid Open have been announced, with the tournament set to kick off on Tuesday and be broadcast live on Sky Sports. While the draw is now complete, Britain’s rising star Jack Draper has announced his withdrawal as he continues to recover from a knee problem that forced him out of the recent Barcelona Open. Draper’s exit adds his name to a growing list of high‑profile players who have pulled out of the Madrid event. In recent weeks, the tournament has already seen the likes of Emma Raducanu, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic step away for various reasons.
Draper, who reached the semifinals of the 2024 US Open, will also miss the upcoming Italian Open in Rome, but he remains focused on the French Open, which begins in May. In a personal statement the 24‑year‑old explained, "An aggravated tendon in my knee means I am not able to play in Madrid and Rome.
It's frustrating for sure but I am thankful it isn't anything more serious, recovery is going well and I feel good about my chances of being fit for Roland Garros. I am looking forward to building momentum from there." His comments underline both the disappointment of missing two prestigious clay‑court events and his optimism about returning to peak form for the season’s second Grand Slam. On the British side, Cameron Norrie is confirmed to compete and will enjoy a first‑round bye. Norrie, who made a strong showing in Barcelona by reaching the quarter‑finals after a solid second‑round performance in Monte Carlo, will be looking to build on that momentum as the clay swing continues.
For fans who prefer streaming, the tournament can be followed contract‑free via NOW, and the Sky Sports app offers additional video, news and match highlights. The platform also provides a richer viewing experience, with more than half again the amount of live sport compared with the previous season, all at no extra charge for Sky Sports subscribers. Turning to the women’s draw, Katie Boulter opens her campaign against American Taylor Townsend in the first round. A win would set up a potential clash with fifth‑seed Jessica Pegula in the second round.
Boulter, currently ranked No. 3 in Britain, reached the quarter‑finals in Rouen last week and is eager to carry that form into Madrid.
Historically, Boulter has enjoyed a clear edge over Townsend, winning all three of their previous meetings. Their most recent encounter took place in Beijing earlier this year, where Boulter again came out on top.
Townsend, however, has shown strong recent form, having advanced to the final of the ATX Open WTA 250 in February and posting a series of solid results throughout the season. If Boulter can replicate her past success against Townsend, she will face Pegula, who arrives in Madrid fresh from capturing her second WTA title of the year in Charleston.
Pegula’s powerful baseline game and recent confidence make her a formidable opponent, and a second‑round showdown between the two would be a compelling narrative for British tennis fans. While the men’s draw is missing some of its biggest names, the top seed is now Jannik Sinner, who also benefits from a first‑round bye. Sinner’s ascension to the top spot reflects his consistent performances over the past year and positions him as the favorite to claim the title in a field that, despite the absences, remains highly competitive. The Mutua Madrid Open continues to be a key event on the ATP and WTA calendars, offering players a crucial opportunity to adapt to the slower clay surface ahead of the French Open.
For spectators, the tournament provides a blend of high‑stakes matches, emerging talent, and the drama of last‑minute withdrawals that can reshape the competitive landscape. Viewers can watch the action live on Sky Sports, stream it through NOW, or use the Sky Sports app, which gives customers access to a broader array of live sport at no additional cost. Those seeking a more accessible video experience are encouraged to use the Chrome browser for optimal playback. In summary, the Madrid Open field is set, with Jack Draper’s withdrawal opening a spot for another contender, while Katie Boulter prepares to test Taylor Townsend in what promises to be an engaging opening match.
The tournament will serve as both a proving ground for players eyeing Roland Garros and an entertaining showcase for tennis fans worldwide.