Wading into podcasting… this will be slow and clunky and experimental, but some subs have asked for audio content, and audio-posts are a little more time-friendly compared to writing out these draw previews.
Touch on..
Conditions
It’s clay, but it’s quick. Nearly 600 metres above sea level. Hold rates here compare to the Australian Open in recent years.
Past winners and finalists have usually fit the mold of some kind of big serve and/or big forehand. We’ve got: Rublev/FAA/Alcaraz/Struff/Zverev/Berrettini/Djokovic/Tsitsipas/Thiem/Nadal
Player statements
Fritz, 2024: "It bounces very high here, so it's great for me forehand"
Lajovic, 2023: “In these conditions, it’s super important to use the kick serve to open up the court. It is really hard to play defence here. I was winning most of the points when I was attacking.”
Ruud, 2023: "I feel good in the different conditions with altitude, the ball travels a bit faster and flies more. You have to be more careful and control it with more top spin."
Isner, 2021: "It is my favourite clay court probably," Isner said. “It has an indoor feel even though it's not fully indoors. It's got a great sound to it. The court is fast. To me it doesn't seem like there's too much clay on the court so, of all the clay courts I play on, it plays closest to a hard court of any of them. The altitude in Madrid just really helps my serve. The ball goes through the air very fast. You put all those things together, it's a good recipe for me to do some damage on serve.”
Plus quarter picks!
If you enjoyed an audio version of the draw previews, like the post, or drop a comment below! HC
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