Lopez, Madrid Tournament Director: "The Growth of the Tournament is Linked to Nadal. Today, We No Longer Depend on Any One Player in Particular"

The Madrid Masters 1000, running from April 23 to May 4, will dominate tennis news in the coming days. Its director, Feliciano Lopez, spoke about the tournament's growth.

"This tournament has existed for over 20 years, and I believe we’ve succeeded in ensuring it no longer depends on one, two, or three players—even the most popular ones, those who generate the most interest.

This tournament grew alongside Nadal’s career; they evolved hand in hand. Today, I think we no longer rely so heavily on any one player in particular.

That said, of course, the tournament’s growth has been inextricably tied to the figure of Rafael Nadal. We were also fortunate to have Carlos Alcaraz emerge at the perfect time.

Rafa is leaving, and Carlitos arrives—a completely different player, with a different style and personality, but who also generates tremendous excitement."

For context, Nadal has won the Madrid tournament five times, including once in 2005 when it was held on hard courts.