Mutua Madrid Open

The Mutua Madrid Open is one of the biggest clay events of the year — a combined ATP/WTA 1000 at high altitude, where the thin Madrid air makes for faster, more explosive clay-court tennis.

Launched in 2002 and now a combined 1000 for both tours, it's played at the Caja Mágica ("Magic Box"), a striking modern complex with retractable roofs on its main courts. Madrid's altitude of roughly 650 metres gives the ball extra speed — a defining quirk of the event.

Madrid is Spain's vibrant capital — world-class food, art at the Prado and Reina Sofía, and famous late-night energy. The Caja Mágica lies south of the centre by the Manzanares river, easily reached by metro.

Tickets are sold by session through the official Mutua Madrid Open channels, with grounds and stadium options across day and evening sessions. The combined field means both tours in one trip; early rounds are the best value.

Late April into early May in Madrid is warm and pleasant. The altitude genuinely affects play — faster, higher-bouncing clay than Rome or Paris. Pair it with the city's food and museum scene.