ATP AND WTA MADRID MASTERS 2026

[Miss_Vee]

Sinner has been left standing in this event.  Carlitos is injured and so is Djokovic.  On the men’s side, it’s still an intriguing tournament.  Lots of great players left.  Zverev is holding up the bottom half of the men’s draw.  God bless him….lol.

On the WTA side of things it seems like Sabalenka is determined to break the record of holding the trophy for a fourth time. That is unprecedented at the moment.

Rybakina will attempt to prevent her, but she has a very tough road to hoe….meaning a tough draw.  She has Zheng Qinwen in the second or third round.  Sabalenka has an easier draw.

[Miss_Vee]

Don’t know why Venus entered Madrid tournament, because she was beaten by a 17 yr old WC from Spain.  Now she has lots of sight seeing time, hopefully with hubby in tow. Love you Venus, but this is really a head scratcher…lol!!

Badosa is out in the first round also.  Didn’t realize Madrid had started today.  Found out on YouTube.

[fedexpress06]

Miss Vee, Venus is sooooooo bad.  Give it a rest unless she plans on playing qualies and challengers or just doubles.  Even doubles she has been going out in the 1st round.  Anyway, her movement is awful.  Sjogrens and injuries robbed her prime and now she's too old even without that to compete.  

[Miss_Vee]

Fedex, I saw a small clip of Venus’ play today.  Her effort is very laboured, and she is so slow now.  I understand that she wants to stay fit, but IMO, she has taken the shine off her distinguished career to some degree. 

Anyway, hopefully she will not continue on this path much longer.

[Miss_Vee]

The schedule for tomorrow has the young Jodar vs De Jong

Pavyluchenkova vs Eala.  Want to see how Nastia handles the hype around Eala…lol

[sugarplum876]

Venus literally look like a granny out there.

Star you have to admit it.

[Notorious S.T.A.R.]

I did catch a few games in the 2nd set   Yes Sugar, her movement (or I should say lack of movement) sort of reminded me over someone who might be 20 years older. 

I'm sure the wildcards will start to dry up soon.  And then what will be next? Challengers?  If she still wants to complete, maybe she should concentrate on doubles only.  

[Miss_Vee]

I see that this kid Jodar has won his first round match.  Guy just hits the ball very, very hard.  Just a good baseliner.  Not impressed really.  I guess he is on an upward trajectory, until players start figuring out his game.  Yawn 🥱 

[Miss_Vee]

Tomorrow’s schedule 

Swiatek vs Snigur

Sabalenka vs Stearns 

Andreeva vs Uvardy

Osorio vs Osaka

Btw, there are some ATP matches also. 

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

That lineup is a snoozy

[Miss_Vee]

Lol Sek!  I will not be at home to watch anything.  However there is also Jovic vs Linette, and Fernandez vs Grabner.  Don’t see any ATP matches that are attention grabbing at the moment.

[sugarplum876]

Star, she needs to become a coach and just enjoy the sport from a different angle.

[Miss_Vee]

It’s awful trying to watch her matches now.  I have heard her quietly say that she is stubborn on that  issue, and doesn’t want to be told when she should leave the sport.  Yet, I have heard say that she wonders why she’s putting herself through this grind…lol

Please make a decision soon Venus.  

Btw, she has also acknowledged that the love and respect with which she and Serena are now showered by the fans, also keep her out there playing.  I do understand that one.  They didn’t receive that as young girls and young women on tour.

[sugarplum876]

I will always remember the whooping Gisela Dulko gave Navratilova twice, and I laughed so hard coz Martina thought Dulko was not good enough. I don’t want my favorites going to that same phase. Just retired. We know Venus medical issues stopped her from reaching her full potential but she needs to be remember as the champ not a granny V.

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

I don't have anymore comments regarding Venus. Matter of fact I am more concerned about her marriage.

[Miss_Vee]

I saw a 5 min video clip on Osaka vs Osorio match this afternoon.  Boy, that took me back to the way Naomi used to play in her heyday, without all of her insecurities and false narratives that she fed to herself.  The tennis commentators were gobsmacked with her level of play.  It was only her first match since the middle of March.  Let’s see how she fares with her next round.

Iva Jovic handled Linette pretty well today also.  Leylah is on fire right now.  The belief has returned to her play.  She straight setted her opponent.

[Notorious S.T.A.R.]

Sugar wrote: " I will always remember the whooping Gisela Dulko gave Navratilova twice, and I laughed so hard coz Martina thought Dulko was not good enough  "

-------

Martina was about 47 at the time.  She definitely needed to be taken down a peg or two for thinking that.

We all know that is not out there playing because she needs the money.   It's not like Alexander Stevenson who peeked early at a Wimbledon SF, only to spend years losing in Qualifier, then years more losing in ITF tournaments.

Or even Camila Giorgi, who is planning a come back next year.  Rumor has it that Giorgi, fled to the United States amid tax problems. She and her family were also accused of not paying rent and stealing furniture.  One might think her comeback might be financially driven.

Venus is still playing because she wants to compete.

[Notorious S.T.A.R.]

Another rumor that I heard is that Alycia Parks has been practicing with Serena. 

[Miss_Vee]

Tomorrow schedule is “lit.”  On fire!!

On Manuel Santana Court

Zheng vs Kenin

Rybakina vs Ruse

Sinner vs Bonzi 

Court Arantxa Sanchez

Hurkacz vs Musetti

Shelton vs Prizmic

Jeanjean vs Gauff

McNally vs Mboko 

Other notable mentions 

Fils vs Buse

Fonseca vs Cilic 

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Mboko: I think the first time I watched her match was when she played Coco on clay last year, was it Rome? She should be able to handle McNally.

Fonseca-Cilic looks promising

[Miss_Vee]

It seems that Rybakina cannot control the ball.  I cannot understand why the high altitude in Madrid would bother her.  I’m always reading that the surface favours good servers etc.  She cannot get a grip on her serve, or ground strokes.  Zheng had a similar problem, but she figured it out. Anyway, it might be a blessing in disguise if she doesn’t get through this match.

[Miss_Vee]

Shelton is fighting for his life against Prizmic…lol.  He has to win the second set to stay in the tournament.

[Miss_Vee]

Amanda Anisimova and Madison Keys have withdrawn from the tournament.  Keys withdrew this morning just the match.

My goodness!  Rybakina simply refused to lose that match…7-5 in the third set.  However she faces Zheng in 2 days.
 

[Miss_Vee]

Well, Shelton is gone…bit the dust at the hands of Prizmic.  Fils is also in trouble in his match.  Lost the first set in a tiebreak.  He doesn’t have his usual energy.   Let’s see this last week winner will survive today. Lol!!

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Miss_Vee, you can celebrate Ben's loss all you want but he has that European clay title in his pocket.

Fils always living on the edge. He needs to learn to save energy.

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Mboko in trouble.

[Miss_Vee]

It’s obvious that Vicky is hopelessly out of rhythm.  She is lost out there on this surface….lol. 

[sugarplum876]

Remember how sharapova referred to herself on the clay surface?😂

[Miss_Vee]

Oh yes!  Sharapova….a cow on ice.  That’s how Vicky looked out there.😂

[Miss_Vee]

Jodar the latest Spanish sensation is about to take DeMinaur out of Madrid open.  This boy looks so strong!  He was in the U,S College program.  Guess he is turning pro at this point.

[fedexpress06]

Ok looked better than Juan Ignacio Chela but Jodar's tennis isn't very pleasing.  Bludgeon bludgeon bludgeon.  Like sek said that, it's what you have to be now. Carlos is really a rarity with all the shots he can come up with.

[Miss_Vee]

Fedex, I’m not a Jordar fan either.   The tennis isn’t interesting….just hits the ball hard and harder.  It’s funny because people say that he is a Sinner clone, but I had always liked Sinner even if I found his tennis monotonous at times.  I prefer Fonseca, although not a big fan….lol.

There are very few youngsters that I can say I like their game style.  Gosh darn it Denis!!!

[Miss_Vee]

Btw, Denis is no longer one of the youngsters.  He is young, but he is now 27 years old.  Will leave the sport as an underachiever.

[Miss_Vee]

Leylah Fernandez is on fire here vs Jovic.  She lost the first set, then won the second set, and is leading in the 3rd set 5-1

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Happy for Leylah, she needs these wins.

I see Ruud took Munar to the woodshed.

[Miss_Vee]

Um….Iga lost the first set to Ann Li….🙄.  Let’s see if and how she can regroup.  I missed the first set.  She may have lost in a tiebreak because it seemed to last an hour.

[Miss_Vee]

So Iga won the 2nd set, but started poorly in the third set.  I think nerves got to her,  she called for the trainer at the start of the third maybe after she lost the first game for some medication, but retired from the match.  

I think Iga has a mental block, and it’s affecting her physically.  We have watched her become unglued on court…can’t think… I think the nervousness and anxiety made her feel nauseous out there.  She was very string in the first and second set.

[Notorious S.T.A.R.]

I had caught a few games of the 2nd set (around 4-1 Iga).  The commentators then were speculating something about food poisoning).   I turned at that point.  So I don't know what really took place after that.

[Miss_Vee]

Haven’t heard anything yet about food poisoning at this point.  Wasn’t following the match consistently.  We shall soon find out the issue.  If it was indeed food poisoning, that was unfortunate for Iga.

[Miss_Vee]

Shapo is just a hopeless punk!!!

Anyway Meddy win a match….lol.  I think nothing of his 0-6, 0-6 loss in Monte Carlo.  Made the deduction that he just couldn’t find his clay feet, and like Sinner had played a lot in North America.  It seems he has found his feet of clay…lol.

[Miss_Vee]

Star, you are correct about Iga having some sort of virus.  That’s the reason that she couldn’t finiish the match.

[fedexpress06]

who is this kid that took Denis to the woodshed Miss Vee?  This is just pathetic now and he is so not in it.  probably just needs money as I wouldn't be surprised if he is going to be a father soon. 

[Miss_Vee]

Feddy, I thought the same thing about Denis being a Dad soon.  I also echo your thoughts about Denis’ head not being in tennis right now.  Maybe it’s his heart.  I don’t know the person who gave him that beat down, but it was qualifier, who was simply shaking away at the ball.  Didn’t watch much of the match.

[Miss_Vee]

Naomi Osaka is simply an outstanding player to watch, when her game is in full flight.  Just watched her 1 hr 16 min match facing Kalanina.  Wow oh wow!!  Jaw dropping stuff I’m telling you!

Pleasure was all mine..😂

[Miss_Vee]

Guys and girls….our favourite Ons Jabeur gave birth to a baby boy April 20th.  Forgot to mention it.  Congratulations to Ons and hubby!  Hope she takes at least 6-9 months away from the court, and return hopefully after Aussie 2027.  

[Miss_Vee]

Good to see Lehecka take out Mickelsen..YAY!  Straight setted him…lol

Gauff is once again fighting for her life against Cirstea.  She just won the second set, after a tense “break filled your opponent” second set….lol

On to the third set, in which Cocois likely to win the match.  Cannot watch that match.

[Miss_Vee]

Ooh!  I did miss this one.  Gauff was sick on court in the second set….threw up in a bin on court.  Took an MTO…was given pills.  There is a bug at the tournament in Madrid.  

Anyway she finally won the match 6-1 in the third set.  So darn mentally tough…lol!

[Miss_Vee]

Looks as if Jodar will win this match, but it seems he is dealing with cramps.  Now he is up 4-0 on Fonseca, and absolutely going for broke on every ground stroke.   Am watching to see who will win the battle of the teens.

[fedexpress06]

Fonseca is really falling behind but we'll see how Jodar handles expectations.  

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Too much expectation on Fonseca. He has not really added much to his game. 

Jodar is out there just having fun. I don't think Jodar is going to be a threat, he will just be that annoying player you have to be ready to put away.

[Miss_Vee]

Lol Sek!  I’m not really impressed with him yet.  He is Sinner’s path.  We shall see how Jodar does next round.

[fedexpress06]

He does hit with tons of topspin.  Like I'm curious what the rpms are.  He came to the net more than I would've thought today.  Jury still out if he's someone I'll get behind or if he's Chela 2.0  

[Miss_Vee]

He went to College in the U.S rather than turn pro at the time Fonseca turned pro.  They are the same age.  Fonseca is a month older than Jodar.  Maybe College really benefitted him, because he plays a very mature game.

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Hopefully he stays healthy and can make some noise at the FO.

[Miss_Vee]

 How is Hailey Baptiste so weak mentally??  She was playing terrific tennis the first 2 sets.  She broke Bencic to serve for the match at 6-5, in the second.  Then couldn’t hold the racquet….lol.  Got to match point, and then totally dissolved into a puddle…😂.  The girl literally couldn’t play her shots, and she has so much in her arsenal to win this match.  Don’t think that she has ever won a title, has she?  However she plays really watchable tennis.

[Miss_Vee]

Fernandez is through to the qrtrs 6-3, 6-2 over Li.   she will meet the winner of Andreeva/Bondar match.

[fedexpress06]

Naomi choked that 2nd set away so many times.  up a break, lost it, up 40-0, got broken.  up until that point, this was some of the best tennis Naomi has played in years. 

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Miss_Vee, you nailed it, Baptiste is mentally weak. She does not believe in herself at all. I also think if she could work a little bit more on her fitness, she would do much better.

Looks to me like everything comes naturally for her and she is not putting in a lot of work in the gym.

[fedexpress06]

Baptiste doesn't have the hunger.  Sabalenka's hatred of losing and life and death approach is why she's on top right now.  Osaka played better mostly today but doesn't have the same killer instinct.  Baptiste will lose because of this as well.  

Also, how did Gauff blow this - she was up a double break in the third I think.

[Miss_Vee]

I saw that Fedex!  What?  Gauff was even up in the tiebreaker.  I’m speechless!  Noskova wanted this win badly.  I wasn’t watching the match closely however.  

I see that Andreeva won her match.  Seemed as if it was a tight one…7-6 in the third set tiebreak.

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Fernandez is capable of beating Mirra if only she could keep the play in play and not donate cheap UFEs.

[Miss_Vee]

I hope so Sekasi!  Fernandez is on fire at the moment.  I’m hoping that she can get past Andreeva.

I knew that Rybakina didn’t have it to get through this tournament.  It’s good that she lost.  She needs this rest before Rome and RG.  I think that she needs to schedule herself better also.  She is going deep at most tournaments or winning titles.  

Sabalenka is being smart here.

Mensik is moving quietly through the draw.

[Miss_Vee]

Tomorrow’s matchups should be very interesting, especially the ATP.

Kopriva vs Jodar…..don’t even know Kopriva

Zverev vs Mensik

Fils vs Etcheverry 

Lehecka vs Musetti 

Tsitsipas vs Ruud

Medvedev vs Cobolli

WTA qrtr final…top half is also playing.

[Miss_Vee]

Arthur Fils keeps on rolling upward in the ranking.   Didn’t see the match.  Sinner handled Norrie.

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Miss_Vee, who is Blockx? I keep seeing the name in the lineup.

[Miss_Vee]

I think Blockx is Belgian, like Clijsters, he’s Dutch Belgian.  He has beaten both Shapo and now Felix in different tournaments.  Seems to play like all the young players coming up now.  Think he is 20-21 years of age.

I’m guessing that Lehecka beat Musetti, had switched to Fernandez/Andreeva match, which the latter won.  Leylah had chances to win the first set, then played a poor tiebreaker.  That was all she wrote.

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Yep, Musetti is out, routine 3&3

[Miss_Vee]

Tsitsipas seems to be having a resurgence in this tournament.  He has Ruud (defending champion) on the ropes in the third set.

Jodar looks to be getting through his match vs Kupriva. He won the first set 7-5.  Man, this boy can play tennis.  Hopefully we see him matched up in qrts vs Sinner.

[Miss_Vee]

Ruud turned the match around in the third set.  Won it in a tiebreak 7-3

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

OMG, Jodar giving out some goodies, lol

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Baptiste takes the second set, now watch her fall apart.

[Miss_Vee]

This is a nail biter Sek.  I just returned home to see Baptiste serving for the match.  Omg!!!  Aryna is a beast, and will fight and claw her way to the end…lol

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Miss_Vee, I cannot watch Baptiste, she should be winning these matches easily if she could get her head on right. 

I hope this makes her start believing in herself.

[Miss_Vee]

Sek!!! Baptiste held her nerve.  What fight!  She believes she belongs now.  I have to watch the recording tonight…lol.  Congratulations to Hailey.  What a win!!  Tremendous!!

[Miss_Vee]

  Cobolli downed Medvedev in 3 sets.  This kid has found his groove now in this portion of the season.  

Meanwhile Zverev is attempting to stop Mensik, and took the first set.

[Miss_Vee]

Tomorrow is going to be very interesting in Madrid.  This young kid Jodar really believes that he has a chance against Sinner, if he keeps calm, and plays point by point.  Sinner was in the stands watching his match today.  I think Sinner is slightly unnerved by his rapid rise, and his game…which is so similar to his own game.  Let’s see if Darren Cahill, and Vignezze? will have a solid game plan.

Jodar is fearless, and he goes for his shots.  I cannot wait, but will have to wait, because I will not be home….lol.

The rest of the ATP lineup pits Fils vs Lehecka 

[Miss_Vee]

Btw everyone….Baptiste saved 6 match points to get the win.  Couldn’t believe it.  She had served for the match twice in the third set, but Sabalenka kept coming back.  Hailey was ah-mazing with her slices , and heavy balls to keep Aryna off balance.  Still cannot believe that Baptiste triumphed over Sabalenka…lol!

[fedexpress06]

Saw highlights.  Hailey was so gutsy.  she plays like a  jabeur/mauresmo hybrid.  But is a head case which fits lol.  Anyway, next time they meet, Aryna will bring a butcher knife.  

Jodar seems to be hanging better in the 2nd.  missed all the action yesterday! 

[fedexpress06]

Jannik is too solid and Jodar is a newbie.  shutout in the 2nd set breaker.  These boys ain't ready yet. 

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Fedex, did you say butcher knife, she is bringing a panga machete 🤣

[Miss_Vee]

Fedex, I have noticed that since last year especially, Baptiste has been improving her mentality in matches.  She has been rising in the rankings.  She has so many shots….good serve, ground strokes with so much variety.  Osaka made mention of Hailey’s game, and said she’s a very dangerous player in any match on any surface.

Hailey choked big time, while serving for the match against Bencic, but eventually took it in the third set.  That gave Hailey the belief that she had it to beat Sabalenka.  Hopefully, this is her kick off point to win even a title.  Not sure if he has 1 title yet.

[fedexpress06]

LMAO sek I had to google that I’m dying.  And miss vee, you’re right.  She kind of plays like ons but should use her power as her base more than ons did.  

[Miss_Vee]

I must say that I just read on the ATP website that Potapova is dating Tallon Griekspoor.  She got hitched to another tennis player at age 21, by the name of Alexander Schevchenko who was maybe 22 years old at the time.  Maybe a year or two later, they were divorced.

Now she’s with Griekspoor.  Credits him with saving her mentally today.  Can’t say that I like her tennis.  Anyway looking forward to Baptiste/ Andreeva SF tomorrow….not so much Potapova/Kostyuk, but whatever….

[Miss_Vee]

These next generation players are playing such a brutal go for broke every shot game, where I can visualize everyone succumbing to injuries sooner than later.  Blockx just took out Ruud in straight sets.  Ruud’s ranking will plummet to somewhere in top 20, without defending champion points.

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

I have not seen Blockx play but looking at his size, I can imagine he is hitting the ball very hard. There is no way these guys can avoid injuries hitting the ball like that.

[Miss_Vee]

Blockx plays similar to Jodar, and much of the next Gen players.  Not much variety of shot, except the drop shot. He is a tall guy also…maybe 6’3” or 6’4”.

[Miss_Vee]

Baptiste is not having an easy time facing Andreeva today, who is playing the best tennis that I have seen her play in a long time.  She won the first set.  C’mon Hailey.

[Miss_Vee]

Andreeva through to the final.  Let’s see which nervous Nelly will show up to face her in the final.

[Miss_Vee]

I have the feeling that Potapova tries to emulate Sharapova as much as possible in the way she plays.  She even has a similar grunt…lol.  

[Miss_Vee]

Honestly, I don’t think Sinner should have entered Madrid.  Italian open starts on Monday.  I know that Sinner might not play until the following weekend, but I think he limits his chances of winning RG.

I hope he loses against Fils tomorrow.

[Sekasi_ChangeIsComing]

Miss_Vee, all these matches are like practice sessions for Sinner. Fils will be lucky to get a set.

[Miss_Vee]

Sek, you always know how to put me in my place….😂.  “ Fils will be lucky to take a set.”  

You’re probably right on that score.  

[Miss_Vee]

Sek….um, I see what you mean….😭.  Match just started between Sinner and Fils.  Sinner is on fire against Fils….LMAO!  Sinner just hit a shot after pulling Fils wide, that left everyone’s jaw on the floor, to break Fils for the second time in the first set.

Anyway, Fils can see the gulf between him and Sinner.  More work for for Arthur.