Mutua Madrid Open 2025: Why it may be the worst ATP and WTA Masters tournament of the year

The long-extended debate concerning ATP and WTA 1000 Masters seems to be hitting a peak when the Mutua Madrid Masters 1000 tournament was underway, and there are many reasons behind this.

This prestigious clay court tournament was played within one week of the tennis calendar, but this time it was more out of the event and got extended beyond two weeks, including the qualifiers.

This is not the first time when the Madrid pen has been the worst for the players. And given below are the major reasons why it seems less appealing of the marquee tournaments in this calendar year.

Big names are not playing!

Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out from the tournament due to injuries he sustained in the Barcelona Final 2025 against Holger Rune. The fans were disappointed after the star withdrew his name. In addition, Jannik Sinner is missing the tournament amid a doping ban.

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz shocks tennis world with sudden withdrawal from Mutua Madrid Open amid injury concerns

Alexander Zverev's controversy

World number two Alexander Zverev's game against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was played in front of the crowd but sparked massive debate after the umpire failed to listen to his call. This incident led Zverev to showcase the proof through his social media stories, frustrating fans and questioning many things.

Also Read: Alexander Zverev breaks silence with proof as controversy over match decision explodes

Power outage and suspension of the matches

The Caja Magia venue in Madrid has been known as one of the most innovative designs. However, April 28th witnessed a power outage that led to the suspension of the matches, frustrating fans. This prestigious event was struck by the electrical shutdown in the Spanish capital, Madrid.

Also WATCH: Fans rush out in dark from Mutua Madrid Open venue after shocking blackout and sudden match suspension

Big names crashed out!

Serbian ace and 24 times Novak Djokovic was expected to win his 100th ATP title here, but he was crashed out in his opening round of the game. In addition, Andrey Rublev also suffered an exit as the Russian failed to defend his title. The Barcelona Open 2025 champion, Holger Rune, pulls out due to injuries. These three players' exits from the clay court tournament have frustrated fans and disappointed them. 

On the other hand, top WTA stalwarts Jessica Pegula, who recently won the Charleston Open 2025, and star player Jasmine Paolini suffered early exits.

Also Read: 'I'm not sure if I will come back' – Novak Djokovic makes audacious claim after Mutua Madrid Open first round exit

Here is how even the big players have criticised the Mutua Madrid Open 2025 tournament!

Novak Djokovic: “I’m personally overall not a fan of that because I feel like we already have four Grand Slams a year that take two plus one week, eventually if you go all the way with training. You spend 10 to 12 weeks only in Grand Slams.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas: “The two-week Masters 1000s have turned into a drag. The quality has definitely dropped. Players aren’t getting the recovery or training time they need, with constant matches and no space for the intense work off the court."