The 2024 Madrid Open, a prestigious WTA and ATP 1000 event, is set to commence this week, attracting the biggest names in tennis. Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz, fresh from his 2022 and 2023 victories, will be the focus of attention once again.
Alcaraz, despite being a dominant force on clay, recently faced a setback with an arm injury that forced him to miss two key tournaments. This lack of recent match play, coupled with a challenging draw, raises questions about his ability to secure a three-peat.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud have emerged as strong contenders to dethrone Alcaraz. Tsitsipas, a renowned clay-court specialist, recently triumphed at the Monte-Carlo Masters and reached the final of the Barcelona Open. His impressive form and consistency on this surface make him a formidable threat.
Ruud, the reigning Barcelona Open champion, has also been in impressive form this season, boasting a strong win-loss record on clay. With Alcaraz in the opposite half of the draw, Tsitsipas and Ruud have a clear advantage and are considered dark horses to clinch the title.
The Madrid Open draw is fiercely competitive, with players such as Andrey Rublev, Holger Rune, and last year’s runner-up Jan-Lennard Struff potentially posing significant obstacles for Alcaraz in his quest for a hat-trick of titles.
