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 finalised, British rising star Jack Draper has announced his withdrawal. Draper is still nursing a knee problem that forced him out of the Barcelona Open, and he has decided not to compete in Madrid as he focuses on recovery. Draper's exit adds his name to a growing list of high‑profile players who have pulled out of this year’s event.
Recent withdrawals include former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, multiple‑time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz, and the world‑number‑one Novak Djokovic. The British teenager, who reached the semi‑finals of the 2024 US Open, also confirmed he will miss the upcoming Italian Open in Rome. However, he remains optimistic about his chances at the French Open in May, hoping to be fit for the clay courts of Roland Garros.
"An aggravated tendon in my knee means I am not able to play in Madrid and Rome," Draper explained in a statement. "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." In contrast, Britain’s top‑ranked male player Cameron Norrie is confirmed for the Madrid Open and will enjoy a first‑round bye. Norrie arrived in Madrid after a solid showing at the Barcelona Open, where he reached the quarter‑finals, and after a second‑round appearance at the Monte Carlo Masters. His presence adds depth to the British contingent in the tournament.
The event also offers a range of ways for fans to watch. Sky Sports subscribers can stream matches live via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, which promises over 50 percent more live sport coverage this year at no extra charge. Those interested in tennis scores, results, and upcoming fixtures can also follow the tournament through the Sky Sports app, which provides news, video highlights, and on‑demand content. On the women’s side, British No.
3 Katie Boulter will open her campaign against American Taylor Townsend in the first round. Boulter, who reached the quarter‑finals in Rouen last week, is looking to build on that form. The draw also hints at a possible second‑round clash with fifth seed Jessica Pegula if Boulter can overcome Townsend.
Historically, Boulter has held a winning record against Townsend, having triumphed in all three of their previous meetings. Their most recent encounter was at the Beijing tournament earlier in 2024, where Boulter again came out on top.
Townsend, meanwhile, has been in solid form this season, highlighted by a run to the final of the ATX Open WTA 250 in February. A victory for Boulter would set up a tantalising second‑round match against Pegula, who is riding the momentum of her second WTA title of the season, captured in Charleston. While the absence of Alcaraz and Djokovic may be felt by fans, the men’s draw still boasts a strong top seed in Jannik Sinner, who also receives a first‑round bye.
Sinner’s position as the highest‑seeded player underscores the depth of talent still present despite the notable withdrawals. Overall, the Mutua Madrid Open promises a blend of established stars and emerging talent, with British players featuring prominently on both the ATP and WTA sides. Fans can enjoy comprehensive coverage through Sky Sports’ broadcast and streaming options, ensuring they won’t miss any of the high‑stakes action on the iconic clay courts of Madrid. The tournament will serve as a key preparation event ahead of the French Open, offering players a chance to fine‑tune their games and gauge their form on the red surface.