Rafael Nadal, John Isner join the growing field at the virtual Madrid Open

5-time Madrid Open champion, Rafael Nadal, and three others have joined the virtual field to compete at the Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro.

ATP stars Rafael Nadal and John Isner have been added to the field, along with the WTA’s Kiki Bertens and Fiona Ferro, at the virtual Madrid Open tennis tournament. Both tournaments now have 4 players each, with 16 total expected.

"“From the confinement and with the encouragement that we are giving ourselves, happy to participate in the virtual tournament in Madrid and how could it be otherwise, I will try to give everything,” said Nadal in a recent interview."

The 5-time champion and Isner join fellow former World #1, Andy Murray, as well as Canadian Lucas Pouille on the men’s side. Bertens and Ferro join 3-time major winner Angelique Kerber and recent retiree and doubles specialist, Carla Suarez-Navarro.

Bertens enters the virtual tournament, scheduled to be held from April 27th-30th, as the current champion. She looks to defend her title in the best way possible amidst the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 virus.

"“I think it is a fun initiative for a great cause. I will miss playing in Madrid this year since I love the tournament, but I will do my best to compete on the couch at home and to perform so well in the virtual tournament this year as I did last year on the Madrid track,” the defending champion said."

Winners on both sides will be awarded 150,000 euros and will get to decide how much they choose to donate to the tennis community, as many professionals currently struggle financially due to the suspension of the season. Another 50,000 euros will go towards reducing the social impact of the coronavirus.

Who do you want to see join the virtual tennis world next? Let us know on Twitter @lobandshashfs!