The best rackets in the world from the ATP and the WTA will meet again this year at the Mutua Madrid Open, which this time will be held from April 26 to May 8. And what fans can already know is who has signed up to be part of a list of illustrious names such as Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Paula Badosa, Garbiñe Muguruza or Carlos Alcaraz. The two world numbers one in the male and female circuits will be present at the Caja Mágica. Both Novak Djokovic, (three-time champion of the tournament in 2011, 2016, 2019), and Iga Swiatek, who will participate for the second time in his career on clay in Madrid, lead the entry lists. The two best players of 2022 in the ATP since the season began last January also make up the poster: Nadal and Alcaraz. The No. 1 and No. 2 of the Race (the classification that counts the points in a calendar year), respectively, will be among the favorites for the crown. In the last edition they faced each other for the first time in the second round. While in the women’s box, eyes will once again focus on Paula Badosa, who was already one of the great revelations in 2021. Then, she became the Spaniard capable of going the furthest in the history of the tournament, by appearing in the semifinals. Those same heights will be pursued by Garbiñe Muguruza. Both are part of the top ten players in the world at the moment in the WTA Ranking.
Fery comments on Nole Djokovic
Arthur Fery, currently ranked No. 2 in the first division of the US college tennis rankings, reckons it is Novak Djokovic who will end up with the most Grand Slams to his name. “In terms of Grand Slam titles, it is going to be a good battle between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. I think Novak will overtake Rafa because he has more years in front of him and hopefully, COVID doesn’t stop him,” Fery said. “If COVID doesn’t become a problem in the future, Novak could easily get to 25.” In the GOAT debate, however, Arthur Fery said he was leaning towards Roger Federer. Hailing the Swiss maestro as the “most elegant and effortless” player the sport has ever seen, Fery asserted that he will always be the “GOAT of elegance.” “Everyone will keep Roger Federer’s name in their hearts forever [in the GOAT debate]. He was the most elegant player and the most effortless player to play the game,” Fery said. “I think, unfortunately, he won’t get past the 20 Grand Slams he has now but he will stay the GOAT of elegance.”