Mutua Madrid Open Confirms Tennis Training Project at Santiago Bernabéu

The organizers of the Mutua Madrid Open have clarified the details of a high-profile initiative allowing top tennis stars to train at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. During a presentation on Monday, April 13, 2026, CEO Gerard Tsobanian and tournament director Feliciano López addressed misconceptions regarding the project, confirming that the tennis exhibition at the Bernabéu remains a viable, though specific, part of the tournament’s ecosystem.

The announcement came during an event marking the fifth year of the partnership between the tournament and sponsor Rodilla. While the prospect of tennis courts inside one of the world’s most famous football cathedrals sparked significant buzz, López emphasized that the project is designed as a novelty rather than a structural change to the event’s operations.

Clarifying the Bernabéu Experience

Following reports that suggested a larger shift in venue logistics, Feliciano López sought to set the record straight. He described the Bernabéu initiative as a voluntary experience for the world’s leading male and female players, rather than a mandatory shift in their preparation routines.

According to López, the training sessions at the Bernabéu will be private. He noted that the idea was intended to be a unique communication piece, but the narrative became distorted when leaked to the public. Some observers mistakenly believed that more courts would be installed or that players would move their entire training regimen to the stadium.

“The player who wants to go can go to the Bernabéu to live that experience,” López explained, stressing that these sessions do not replace the standard routines players follow during the Masters 1,000 event.

Caja Mágica Remains the Hub

For the fans and the athletes, the primary center of gravity remains the Caja Mágica. The tournament organizers confirmed that the facility in Manzanares Park continues to function as the heart of the event. The “Tennis Garden” at the Caja Mágica will remain the primary location where the public can watch the world’s best players prepare for their matches.

To provide some context for global readers, the Mutua Madrid Open is one of the most prestigious stops on the professional circuit, serving as both an ATP 1000 and WTA 1000 event. Traditionally played on red clay, the tournament is a critical lead-up to the French Open. The infrastructure at the Caja Mágica is specifically designed to handle the demands of these high-intensity clay-court competitions.

Leadership and Tournament Evolution

The current leadership team, headed by President and CEO Gerard Tsobanian and Director Feliciano López, has continued to evolve the tournament’s footprint in the Spanish capital. Former World No. 1 Garbiñe Muguruza has as well joined López as a co-director, bringing elite playing experience to the management of the event.

The tournament has a history of significant investment and growth. Previously owned by Romanian businessman Ion Țiriac from 2009 to 2021, the event was sold to the New York-based firm IMG for approximately €390 million. This transition has seen the tournament maintain its status as a major economic driver for Madrid, with past estimates suggesting annual benefits to the city exceeding €107 million.

The 2025 edition saw Casper Ruud claim the men’s singles title and Aryna Sabalenka take the women’s singles trophy, underscoring the event’s ability to attract and crown the sport’s top talent.

Key Details of the Bernabéu Project

• Nature of Use: Voluntary training sessions for top-tier players.
• Privacy: Sessions at the Santiago Bernabéu are private; public viewing is not the primary focus.
• Impact on Routine: No change to players’ standard training schedules.
• Primary Venue: The Caja Mágica remains the official tournament site and public training hub.

By integrating the prestige of the Bernabéu with the technical excellence of the Caja Mágica, the Mutua Madrid Open aims to blend sports culture and high-performance athletics. While the “Bernabéu project” is more of a luxury experience for the athletes than a logistical overhaul, it adds a layer of glamour to one of the most anticipated events in the tennis calendar.

The tournament continues to solidify its role as a premier global sporting event, balancing traditional clay-court tennis with innovative promotional partnerships.

The next confirmed checkpoint for the tournament will be the official release of the 2026 player draw and schedule as the event approaches its traditional late April and early May window.

Do you think training in a football stadium helps or distracts top tennis players? Let us know in the comments.