‘Deprived Us of That Opportunity’ – Fernando Verdasco and Others Fume Over Madrid Open’s New Owner

Recently, the Madrid Open released the list of wild cards for both men’s and women’s main draw. On that list, we can see some of the most popular names from the tennis world including Andy Murray, Naomi Osaka, Monica Puig, Lucas Pouille, and others. However, there is only one Spanish name on the list of wild cards on the men’s side of the draw, Carlos Gimeno, and none on the women’s side. World no.121, Fernando Verdasco of Spain wasn’t amused by the decision taken by the Madrid Open, as barely any Spaniards received the wildcards at this year’s tournament in the Spanish capital.

Fernando Verdasco shows his displeasure after not receiving a wild card at the Madrid Open

Former world no.7 Fernando Verdasco has expressed his frustration with the Madrid Open’s new management and organizers. According to him, not enough Spanish players received wild cards at the tournament. Earlier, he tweeted a lengthy post about his displeasure. 

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In that post, he wrote, “We find it surprising, as well as very frustrating, that the biggest tennis event in Spain show such little (or no) support for Spanish tennis players with the invitations granted, especially the main frames. We do not understand that the promoting company and the tournament owners have found the criteria to give these invitations reasonable.” (Google Translate)

“We fully trust that the main sponsors of the tournament, including the Madrid City Council, Mutua Madrileña and Spanish companies, want to support Spanish tennis and invest in this tournament with the intention of helping our sport and hoping to see the greatest possible Spanish presence, so we imagine that they share our disappointment and we hope that they express it equally. We felt that it was very important to communicate how sad we are not being able to play in our country and publicize the situation that has deprived us of that opportunity,” he further stated. 

Other Spanish Players also showed their unhappiness

Notably, IMG, the American company, is the new owner of the Madrid Open. Verdasco took a dig at them as well. Also, he pointed out that the Italian Open has given gave wild cards to five Italian players. Whereas, the Madrid Open only gave one Spanish player. Another Spanish WTA player, Paula Badosa, also showed her frustration with the lack of Spanish players receiving wild cards. World no.3 felt her career changed after receiving a wild card at the Madrid Open last year. 

Meanwhile, many people criticized the Madrid Open for giving a wild card to Andy Murray. Earlier, the British player talked about skipping the clay-court season for the grass-court season. However, he changed his mind and decided to play the Madrid Open after receiving the wild card. 

Meanwhile, 21-time Grand Slam champion, and possibly the greatest Spanish player ever, Rafael Nadal could play the Madrid Open to start his clay-court campaign. The 13-time French Open has returned to light training after missing Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open due to a rib stress fracture he suffered in Indian Wells in March. The Madrid Open will start on May 1 and many players are already looking forward to one of the biggest clay-court tournaments in the lead-up to the French Open.

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Do Verdasco and others have a point? Let us know in the comments.