Madrid has rolled out the red carpet—or rather, red clay—welcoming tennis’ finest to the heart of Spain for the WTA 1000 Madrid Open. The slide-and-glide season is in full swing, and this tournament is a key checkpoint on the road to Roland Garros. Petra Kvitova still holds the record for most titles here with three, but players like Serena Williams, Simona Halep, and Aryna Sabalenka all have two each. Can someone new like Coco Gauff add their name to that elite list this year? But it’s not just about the glory. There is also a lucrative prize money waiting for them at the end of the line. Let’s break it down!

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the history of this fiery event. While the Madrid Open might feel like a long-standing part of the calendar, it actually only joined the WTA Tour in 2009. Before that, it was a men-only affair. It took over the slot once held by the Berlin tournament, establishing itself as an essential part of the European clay swing. In 2012, the tournament tried to spice things up with blue clay—a choice that didn’t exactly stick the landing. After players voiced their discomfort, the experiment ended, and traditional red clay made a triumphant return in 2013.

Not just the courts have evolved—so has the prize money. This year, the stakes are higher than ever. The 2025 edition sees both the men’s and women’s singles champions pocketing a neat €985,030 ($1,119,979) each. That’s a bump up from last year’s €963,225, which crowned Iga Swiatek and Andrey Rublev. Equal prize money has been a welcome move in the sport, and Madrid is right on trend.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the prize money for the singles category (Men and Women) :

With the cash out of the bag, attention shifts to the draw—and it’s as stacked as churros at a Spanish fair. The top seeds are not just chasing titles; they’re chasing form, redemption, and momentum heading deeper into the clay season.

Aryna Sabalenka headlines the field as the top seed. After a rough loss in Stuttgart, where Jelena Ostapenko ousted her 6-4, 6-1, Sabalenka will look to bounce back in a city that’s been good to her. She’s already lifted the trophy here twice and could become a three-time champion, matching Petra Kvitova’s record. On the other hand, Iga Swiatek, seeded second, enters Madrid searching for her first final appearance since her triumph at the 2024 French Open. Given her prowess on clay, expectations are high. But the field is deep and full of surprises.

Speaking of form, Jessica Pegula is piecing together a solid stretch. She’s won 11 of her last 13 matches, reaching the Miami final, lifting the trophy in Charleston, and making the quarters in Stuttgart. The third seed will be one to watch. Coco Gauff’s year started with fireworks, leading Team USA to United Cup victory. Since then, it’s been a mixed bag. Her season stands at 14 wins and 6 losses, and she’ll be hunting for consistency after a second-round exit in Stuttgart to Jasmine Paolini.

Now let’s dig into the draw!

Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and others face a tough draw at the Madrid Open

This year’s draw is stacked, and every section tells a different story. Aryna Sabalenka gets a first-round bye and opens against a qualifier. Also in her section: eighth seed Zheng Qinwen, who will take on the winner of Ashlyn Krueger vs. Anastasia Potapova. Spaniard Paula Badosa, 15th seed Amanda Anisimova, and 32nd seed Sofia Kenin round out the top names in this part of the draw. Not an easy path for anyone.

Shift over to the next quarter, and things get even more interesting. Jessica Pegula is joined by sixth seed Jasmine Paolini, who’s already had a breakthrough year. Add 10th seed Elena Rybakina, former Madrid champ Ons Jabeur, and 17th seed Elina Svitolina to the mix, and this section could very well produce the most unpredictable matchups of the week.

Over in the third quarter, Coco Gauff shares the section with rising star and seventh seed Mirra Andreeva. It won’t be smooth sailing—12th seed Karolina Muchova, 20th seed Clara Tauson, and 25th seed Leylah Fernandez are all capable of throwing a wrench in anyone’s title plans.

Then there’s the reigning queen of clay herself—defending champion Iga Swiatek. Her route could get rocky if she crosses paths with Jelena Ostapenko again, the player whom she has never won against in their 6 meetings. Swiatek’s section also features fifth seed Madison Keys, 11th seed Emma Navarro, and 13th seed Diana Shnaider. Plenty of potential landmines in the way.

All the top seeds are here, the stakes are higher, and the red clay is ready. The 2025 Madrid Open promises all the drama. Who will grab that cash prize and the title? Let us know in the comments below!