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PARIS, FRANCE September 28. Serena Williams of the United States reacts during her match against Kristie Ahn of the United States in the first round of the Women’s Singles competition on Court Philippe-Chatrier during the French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on September 28th 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
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PARIS, FRANCE September 28. Serena Williams of the United States reacts during her match against Kristie Ahn of the United States in the first round of the Women’s Singles competition on Court Philippe-Chatrier during the French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on September 28th 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Tennis queen Serena Williams is one of the most anticipated players to participate in every tournament, even today. Her presence itself adds value to any competition at hand in any part of the world.
Since the WTA 1000 Mutua Madrid Open has begun its qualifying round, it begs the question, will the 23-time Grand Slam champion grace the Spanish capital with her presence this year?
Serena Williams expected to play at the Italian Open 2021
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Serena Williams, 39, has won the Madrid Open singles title twice in her career in 2012 and 2013. She also won the doubles title with Venus Williams in 2010.
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Serena Williams of the United States in action against Kristie Ahn of the United States in the first round of the Women’s Singles competition on Court Philippe-Chatrier during the French Open Tennis Tournament at Roland Garros on September 28th 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
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However, the four-time Olympic Gold medal winner has not participated in the tournament since 2015. Even this year, she has canceled out the Madrid Masters from her 2021 calendar.
Interestingly, Serena was one of the initial players rumored to play in Madrid. But after Ion Tiriac, tournament director of Madrid, made a few comments about her, it buried all chances of her playing the event.
Read More: “She Would Retire”: Former Player Criticizes Serena Williams
Instead, as per the expectations of Patrick Mouratoglou, she might play at the Italian Open 2021. The coach also revealed that Serena will train with him in Nice on a clay surface.
Looking back, the American chose to play in Rome against Madrid even in 2019. Therefore, fans should rightfully get excited about her return on clay again.
Internazionali BNL D’Italia tournament will start from the day after the conclusion in Madrid. The top players will then move on to the clay-court finale in Paris, the French Open 2021, starting May 30.
Without Serena, which players to look out for in Madrid Open 2021?
Despite Serena’s exclusion, the Madrid Open women’s field includes an array of big stars. Most significantly, she is the only player inside the WTA Top 40 rankings not playing in Madrid. The top three seeds namely, Ashleigh Barty, Naomi Osaka, and Simona Halep, are the favorites.
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A general view as Karen Khachanov of Russia serves to Fernando Verdasco of Spain 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)
Moreover, it is one of the vital tournaments for Roland Garros’ preparations. Conclusively, Williams will have to make do with playing only at the Italian Open 2021.
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Above all, the month of May is full of action-packed tennis on red dirt. Mutua Madrid Open 2021 will start from April 30, 2021, and conclude on May 9, 2021.
Who is your favorite for the French Open title this year?
