Darwin Blanch: Trouble Mounts Madrid Open as Serena Williams’ Ex-coach Joins Bautista Agut to Express Displeasure Over IMG’s Wild-Card Saga

Rafael Nadal beat Darwin Blanch in his round of 128 clash at the Madrid Open. While his fans were over the moon, the score of 6-1, 6-0 would go on to create controversy. Rennae Stubbs, former coach of Serena Williams, argued about the efficacy of wildcards as Blanch suffered against Nadal. A Spanish tennis player joined Stubbs in sharing his opinion on the validity of wildcards.

The 16-year-old Blanch receiving a wildcard for his second appearance on the ATP Tour, did not come with a good chance to advance. However, the final score shows just how much Blanch needs to improve to make a significant impact on the tour. Stubbs found herself fuming at the match, unable to believe the fact that the American received a wild card despite clearly not being ready for such competition.

On her ‘X’ page, she wrote, “I don’t think giving a 16 yr old a WC into a 1000 is a good idea. I actually think we need to get rid of WCs in 1000s. The only 1s that should ever be given are to former Major champs or former #1s. Everyone else should have to play Qs. A WC is NOT bringing in more fans to a 1000.”

Blanch, like several youngsters on tour, is managed by the International Management Group. Roberto Bautista Agut spoke about the wildcard situation after his match and did not hold back in his attack on the management company.

Roberto Bautista Agut joins Serena Williams’ former coach to have his say on Darwin Blanch’s wildcard debacle

Agut won his round of 128 clash against David Galan 7-6, 4-6, 6-1.  In the post-match presser, Agut said he was hoping for a wildcard in the Madrid Open. However, the tournament is owned by IMG, which made Agut imply that their players will get priority.

He further claimed, “I don’t agree that it has huge amounts of sponsors, Spanish institutions, that it is of no use. It doesn’t happen anywhere in the world, no tournament. Only happens here.” Joao Fonseca is another player for IMG who received a wildcard but won his first match, making use of the opportunity. 

Although angry at the institution for making him work through the qualifiers for the main draw, Agut will go into the round of 64 with just as much fire and hope to pull through against Karen Khachanov. Will he be able to win against the Russian player? Let us know in the comment section below.