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Tiafoe, Bencic join loaded Madrid Virtual Pro lineup

By Brandon Daniels

MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 08: David Ferrer of Spain waves goodbye after his last ever match during day five of the Mutua Madrid Open at La Caja Magica on May 08, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 08: David Ferrer of Spain waves goodbye after his last ever match during day five of the Mutua Madrid Open at La Caja Magica on May 08, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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With the virtual Madrid Open set to kick off in one week, the lineups for both sides will be filled in the next few days. It was announced yesterday that WTA #8 Belinda Bencic and #75 Sorana Cirstea would be joining the star-studded field, along with ATP #81 Frances Tiafoe.

"“I’m really looking forward to compete and play in the Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro later this month”, said Bencic. “No matter if it’s on the court or virtual in this case, I love everything that has to do with tennis and competing so this is an exciting opportunity to try something new.”"

David Ferrer, who retired last year at the Madrid Open, will be joining Tiafoe on the ATP side. Ferrer, the former world #3, won 27 singles titles during his time on tour, which ranked fifth among active players behind Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. It’s his hope that his prowess with a tennis racket can translate to a controller in time to win the virtual tournament.

"“I can’t wait to take part in the Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro”, said Ferrer. “I used to be a gamer, so I hope I haven’t forgotten. I’m practicing so that I’m ready!”"

Both Tiafoe and Cirstea were immediately on board and are excited to embrace this unique opportunity in support of the tournament’s main cause.

"“I’m very happy to take up the competition again at the Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro”, Cirstea said. “It’s an exciting concept and a world premiere in digital tennis. I know the competition will be fierce because we will all want to show the best of our ‘skills’. Very cool combo to mix tennis digital and especially charity during these hard times. Will be loads of fun. Watch me play! Congrats Mutua Madrid Open!”"

The tournament will be held from April 27th-30th and will debut a virtual competition in tennis. 16 ATP and 16 WTA players will first progress through group stages (in fours), with the top two in each group advancing to the single-elimination stage. The two winners will be awarded 150,000 euros and can decide where their winnings will go to help fund the lower-ranked players in tennis who are suffering as a result of COVID-19 in tennis. An additional 50,000 euros will be used and given to help fund the social impact of the coronavirus.

24 out of the total 32 players have been confirmed for the tournament so far, with 3 ATP and 3 WTA players left to be added.

Madrid Open field (April 20th)

ATP

Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Alexander Zverev, Gael Monfils, David Goffin, Fabio Fognini, Diego Schwartzman, Karen Kachanov, John Isner, Lucas Pouille, David Ferrer, Frances Tiafoe

WTA

Elina Svitolina, Belinda Bencic, Kiki Bertens, Angelique Kerber, Madison Keys, Kristina Mladenovic, Carla Suarez-Navarro, Victoria Azarenka, Johonna Konta, Fiona Ferro, Eugenie Bouchard, Sorana Cirstea

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