In the coming weeks some of the world’s best tennis players will be swapping their rackets for game controllers and it will all be for a good cause.
The organisers of the Madrid Open have announced the launch of the Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro. A online gaming tournament that will feature professional players from both the ATP and WTA Tours battling it out in the world of online gaming. The initiative has come to fruition after the Madrid Open was cancelled this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At present all competitive tennis tournaments have been suspended until July 13th.
“The birth of the Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro highlights the tournament’s technological, youthful and innovative side, which has been one of its hallmarks since it began in 2009 and it is fitting for the current circumstances.” Tournament director Felciano Lopez said in a statement.
A total of 32 players are set to be featured in the first of its kind event. 16 in the women’s draw and 16 in the men’s. Three-time grand slam champion and former world No.1 Andy Murray has been confirmed as one of the first top names to play in the tournament. Murray last won the Madrid Open back in 2015 when he defeated Rafael Nadal in the final. The only other male confirmed to play so far is France’s Lucas Pouille.
Fellow ex world No.1 Angleique Kerber is looking forward to the challenge of battling her rivals without having to leave her house. The German has won 12 WTA titles so far in her career.
“The Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro is a new challenge for us the players, and something that I have never been done before”, explained Kerber. “It’s exciting and a good opportunity to compete from home in a new format. I’m looking forward to participating!”.
Representing the home nation will be Carla Suarez Navarro, who is contemplating whether or not to delay her retirement until 2021 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The 31-year-old has been ranked as high as sixth in the world.
“Forming part of the Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro is an honour”, said Carla Suárez. “The tournament has always been innovative and this is another example of that. We’re going through some exceptional circumstances and any way of collaborating will always be welcome. This is a difficult time for everyone, so we should be united as far as we can.”
The four-day tournament aims to raise money for players struggling financially due to the suspension. A total of 150,000 euros will be up for grabs in each draw with the winners deciding how much money they will donate. An additional 50,000 euros “will all go towards reducing the social impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.“
Questioned about the virtual tournament on Wednesday, ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi gave a cautious welcome to the initiative. Although he said it will not make up for the real thing.
“I think it’s a good initiative, but it can’t make up for the real thing. It works better for other sports such as the F1 or the Moto GP,” he commented.
“I’m definitely not against something of the sort during these sad times, but it’s not a definitive solution, even though those who organise this sort of things should be thanked for the income they generate.”
The online tournament will take place between April 27-30.
