The line‑ups for the Mutua Madrid Open have now been announced, with the tournament set to kick off on Tuesday and be broadcast live on Sky Sports. While the draw is officially complete, British hopeful 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 joins a growing list of high‑profile players who have pulled out of the Madrid event, a roster that already includes former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, Spanish phenom Carlos Alcaraz and Serbian legend Novak Djokovic. The 24‑year‑old, who was a semi‑finalist at the 2024 US Open, also confirmed that he will miss the upcoming Italian Open in Rome. Despite the setbacks, Draper remains focused on the next major challenge – the French Open at Roland Garros in May. "An aggravated tendon in my knee means I am not able to play in Madrid and Rome," Draper said in a brief 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." The British contingent will still be represented by Cameron Norrie, who has secured a first‑round bye.
Norrie arrived in Madrid after a solid showing in Barcelona, where he reached the quarter‑finals following a second‑round appearance in Monte Carlo. His experience on clay should serve him well as the field gathers for one of the sport's most demanding stops on the calendar.
For fans who prefer streaming, the tournament can be watched without a traditional TV contract via NOW, while the Sky Sports app offers live scores, video highlights and a range of tennis‑related content. The platform also provides a more accessible video player for those using Chrome browsers. On the women's side, British No.
3 Katie Boulter will open her campaign against American Taylor Townsend in the first round. A win would set up a potential clash with fifth‑seeded Jessica Pegula in the second round. Boulter entered the draw after a strong performance in Rouen, where she reached the quarter‑finals, and she will be looking to build on that momentum.
Historically, Boulter has held a perfect record against Townsend, winning all three of their previous meetings. Their most recent encounter, however, dates back to Beijing in 2024, and Townsend has since found good form, highlighted by a run to the final of the ATX Open WTA 250 in February.
Despite that, Boulter remains confident, knowing she has the tactical edge and the experience of past victories. Should Boulter prevail, she will face Pegula, who comes into Madrid riding the wave of her second WTA title of the season, captured in Charleston.
Pegula's powerful baseline game and aggressive serve make her a formidable opponent, and a potential second‑round showdown between the two would be a marquee match for British fans. While the absences of Alcaraz and Djokovic have shifted the spotlight, the men's draw still features a clear favorite in Jannik Sinner, who enters the tournament as the top seed. Like Norrie, Sinner also enjoys a first‑round bye, giving him extra time to acclimatize to the clay courts before his opening match. The Madrid Open continues to be a key preparatory event for the French Open, offering players a chance to fine‑tune their game on the red clay that defines Roland Garros.
With several top players missing, the tournament promises opportunities for emerging talent to make deep runs and gain valuable experience. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, stream it via NOW, or use the Sky Sports app, which provides access to over 50 percent more live sport this year at no additional cost for subscribers.
Additional coverage includes real‑time scores, detailed match statistics, and a library of tennis videos, highlights and best‑shot compilations. In summary, the Mutua Madrid Open field is set, albeit with notable withdrawals that have reshaped the competition. Jack Draper's decision to sit out underscores the physical toll the tour can exact, while Katie Boulter's opening match against Taylor Townsend offers a compelling narrative for British supporters.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the clay courts of Madrid, where players will battle not only each other but also the relentless demands of the surface in pursuit of a coveted spot at the French Open.