The Madrid Open is one of the main clay court tennis tournaments in the world and a great tournament to visit. Played in April-May, between the Monte-Carlo and the Rome events, you can expect nice weather and a great atmosphere in the Spanish capital!
Below we’re looking at some tips when visiting the Madrid Open tennis event which should help in your planning.
About the Tournament
Also known as Masters de Madrid, this tournament changed from hard court to clay in 2009 and is staged at the Caja Magica. It’s a relatively new tournament, compared to for example the French Open, and at the moment the official name is Mutua Madrid Open (as it’s being sponsored by the Mutua Madrileña insurance company).
The Madrid Open is a Masters 1000 event on the men’s ATP tour and a Mandatory event in the women’s WTA.
Since the first event in 2002, Spanish players has lifted the trophy eight times, Rafael Nadal with five of them and Carlos Alcaraz most recently in 2022 and 2023.
In 2024, the tournament is being played between 24 April and 5 May.
Madrid Open Location and Travel Tips
After being played at the Madrid Arena between 2002 and 2008, it was then moved to La Caja Mágica in 2009 when the tournament was taken over by Romanian billionaire Ion Tiriac.
The courts are located very centrally in Madrid. There aren’t many hotels that are just within a few minutes walk, however, it’s very easy to travel around in the city.
One option is the public transportation system. The nearest metro station is San FermÃn – Orcasur for getting off at the stadium and there are also many bus lines that stop near the venue.
Uber and Cabify are two of the taxi options available that works very well in the Madrid area.
Courts
The Caja Mágica has three main courts, all with retractable roofs which is a great feature. This prety much guarantees that the matches will be played in any weather and it also gives a nice shade in the afternoon when it’s usually very sunny and hot.
Manolo Santana Stadium is the biggest court, with a seating capacity of 12,500 fans. Arantxa Sánchez Vicario Stadium and Estadio 3, can take around 3,500 and 2,500 spectators.
There are also eight outside courts and don’t miss the Tennis Garden located at the lower level. We have also heard fans mention the kids friendly amenities around the court area here so it might also be a good idea to bring the children for some tennis action!
Tickets
As always, there are plenty of ticket options to choose from. This all depends on how many days you’re staying, which courts would you like to visit etc.
Best option is to purchase tickets from the official website. Other options include getting your Madrid Open tickets from Viagogo or other ticket resellers.
Choose from single-session tickets (for the different courts), all-day passes, night- or final tickets, full tournament pass and various VIP packages.
What to Bring? Restrictions?
First thing to pack is always sunscreen and a nice hat/cap to get some protection from the sun.
Important note regarding the Madrid ATP tournament, they do now allow food to be taken into the matches and if you come with a water bottle they might ask you to remove the bottle cap.
Other restricted items include backpacks or other large bags, professional camera equipment and anything that can disturb the match in general.
There are many stalls where to buy food and drinks, mostly burgers, pizza, ice-cream etc. The facilities around this event are quite spacious and not overcrowded at all.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a great tennis tournament to visit, in the middle of the clay season in (most likely) fantastic southern European sunshine. In 2024 we expect top names such as Sinner, Medvedev, Djokovic and of course defending champion Carlos Alcaraz fight for the trophy.
3 comments
The best tip is probably not to come to the Madrid Open.
Organizers won’t let you enter with your own food, nor drink. Instead, they will want you to pay for overprized, bad, scarce, unhealthy food in the inside. Wanna go out for lunch, or anything, and come back later? Out of luck, it’s not allowed.
Seats in the main stadium are far way. Very far away. Some fo the closer seats are frequently reserved for people that work in sponsoring companies, that come and go, in order not to miss the servings of jamón ibérico and drinks.
The stadium is built as a box (Caja Mágica), with a sliding ceiling that, when open at many day hours, projects a sharp shadow on the court. I guess this is not ideal for playing tennis.
The web is painful, difficult to find who is playing and understand what your ticket is about. Tickets are not cheap.
Incidents: Lights gone several times during a night match, the match is moved to the outside courts, where the players are playing at one meter from the back walls. (Imagine Del Potro on a short court). Disco music for the night party starting before matches have actually finished. (Bum, bum, bum…)
Long queues to enter the facility. Entrance is slow and security guards are very interested in checking whether your a terrorist carrying a sandwich or some water.
I’m probably forgetting more things that left me thinking that the organizers of this championship are thinking about making the most profit they can, promote the city, whatever. Some of them may be thinking about Tennis too. After several times been there, I’m not visiting anymore.
If you definitely want to go, I’d recommend buying tickets for the two adjacent stadiums, not the main one, and arrive early for the match. Then, at least, you’ll be able to see some tennis live, at a distance that is enjoyable.
You say that they do now allow you to bring your own food. Is that correct
Spot on! Just attended the Madrid Open for two days and have already decided not to come back next year. Feeling dehydrated, unwelcome, and full of unhealthy food. Will try to Rome Open next year!