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 rehabilitate 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 this year’s event.
Recent absentees include former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, world‑number‑one Carlos Alcaraz and the legendary Novak Djokovic. The British teenager, who reached the US Open semi‑finals in 2024, will also miss the upcoming Italian Open in Rome. However, he remains optimistic about his chances at Roland Garros in May.
"An aggravated tendon in my knee means I am not able to play in Madrid and Rome," the 24‑year‑old 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 the French Open. I am looking forward to building momentum from there." In contrast, fellow Briton Cameron Norrie is confirmed for the event and enjoys a first‑round bye.
Norrie, who made a solid run to the quarter‑finals in Barcelona after a second‑round appearance in Monte Carlo, will be looking to translate that form onto the red clay of Madrid. Fans can follow the action contract‑free via the NOW streaming platform, while the Sky Sports app offers scores, news, video highlights and full‑length match replays.
For the best viewing experience, Sky advises using the Chrome browser to access its video player. On the women’s side, Katie Boulter opens her campaign against American Taylor Townsend in the first round.
A win would set up a possible clash with the tournament’s fifth seed, Jessica Pegula, in the second round. Boulter, currently ranked No. 3 in Britain, arrived in Madrid after a quarter‑final finish in Rouen the week before and hopes to build on that momentum. Historically, Boulter has a perfect record against Townsend, having won all three of their previous meetings.
Their most recent encounter took place in Beijing earlier this year, where Boulter again emerged victorious. Townsend, meanwhile, reached the final of the ATX Open, a WTA 250 event, in February and has been in solid form throughout the season.
Should Boulter defeat Townsend, she would face Pegula, who comes into Madrid riding the confidence of her second WTA title of the year, captured in Charleston. Pegula’s powerful baseline game and experience on clay make her a formidable opponent, but Boulter’s recent performances suggest she is more than capable of pulling off an upset. While the tournament is missing some of the biggest names on the men’s side, the top seed is Jannik Sinner, who also enjoys a first‑round bye. Sinner, the Italian prodigy who has quickly risen to the upper echelons of the ATP rankings, will be eager to prove his dominance on clay and add another Masters 1000 title to his résumé.
The Madrid Open offers a unique blend of high‑stakes competition and a festive atmosphere, with the iconic Caja Mágica stadium providing a stunning backdrop for both ATP and WTA matches. Spectators can expect a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers vying for valuable ranking points and a coveted spot in the lead‑up to the French Open. For those unable to attend in person, Sky Sports delivers comprehensive coverage, including live match feeds, expert analysis, and post‑match interviews. Subscribers can also stream the tournament via the NOW platform or the Sky Sports app, which promises more than 50 percent additional live sport content at no extra charge this year.
In summary, the Madrid Open field is shaping up to be a compelling contest despite the notable withdrawals. Jack Draper’s absence opens a door for other British players to shine, with Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter positioned as key figures to watch. The men’s draw is anchored by Jannik Sinner, while the women’s side features a potential showdown between Boulter and Pegula. Tennis enthusiasts can stay up to date with scores, results, and upcoming fixtures through Sky Sports’ digital channels, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the action on the clay courts of Spain.