World No.6 Juan Martin del Potro has become the third grand slam champion named to play in the first edition of the Mutua Charity Manolo Santana later this week.
On May 3rd a series of high-profile players will play at the Caja Magica, venue of next week’s Madrid Open. A total of eight players, four men and four women, will participate in the event. The format will see two mixed teams compete against each other for a prize of 100,000 euros. The night aims to raise awareness about the fight against domestic violence. 50,000 euros will be donated to the Mutua Madrileña Foundation projects for eradicating domestic violence.
The president of the Madrid Open, Gerard Tsobanian, says that event has been created in close partnership with tournament director Manolo Santana. The 79-year-old, who is credited for bringing the tennis tournament to Madrid, will ‘change his responsibilities to the tournament’ after this year.
“Having run various formats of charity event in recent years, we have decided to create a concept that lives on in time and in which Manolo will always be the central figure.” Tsobanian said in a statement.
“We want it to form part of the enduring legacy that Manolo continues to leave at the Mutua Madrid Open. We believe the players will be behind it and it will be a complete success”.
Serena Williams is also set to make an appearance in the event. The 23-time grand slam champion returned to the tour last month after giving birth in September. Madrid is set to be the first tournament where she will play a competitive match on the clay since the 2016 French Open. Joining Williams from the WTA Tour will be two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, world No.1 Simona Halep and Carla Suarez Navarro.
“I feel at home in Madrid and it will be an honour to play in an event that bears the name Santana, a pioneer, a great person and the Director of one of my favourite tournaments,” Halep said about her participation.
The new assistant director of the Madrid Open, Feliciano Lopez, will also play. 36-year-old Lopez is set to take over from Santana in the future. He will be joined by Fernando Verdasco and Lucas Pouille as well as Del Potro.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Playing in a tournament with Manolo’s name will be very special. I will fight hard so that my team wins the first edition.” Said Lopez.
The charity night will get underway on Friday at 19:30 local time. It will be broadcasted on Teledeporte.
Schedule of charity night
Men’s match 1: (1 point)
Women’s match 1: (1 point)
Men’s match 2: (1 point)
Women’s match 2: (1 point)
Mixed match 1 (2 points)
Mixed match 2 (3 points)
The last mixed match will only be played if relevant.
Match format – two games (plus a tiebreak if 1-1)
