(VIDEO) Rafael Nadal and Jannik Sinner take tennis to the Bernabéu in Madrid Open innovation
Tennis NewsFriday, 24 April 2026 at 01:00
Rafael Nadal and Jannik Sinner headlined the unveiling of a clay court inside the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, as the Madrid Open expanded beyond the Caja Mágica with one of its most ambitious initiatives to date. The exhibition placed two of the sport’s leading figures at the centre of a project designed to bring tennis into one of the most recognisable venues in global sport.
The court, built in just 24 hours and available for training sessions until April 30, replicates the playing conditions used at the Caja Mágica. Its introduction provides players with an additional practice space fully integrated into the tournament’s structure, while also serving as a high-visibility platform that extends the event beyond its traditional setting.
Beyond its functional role, the initiative reflects Madrid’s broader ambition to position itself at the forefront of international sporting innovation. By combining a Masters 1000 tournament with a multi-purpose venue of global scale, the project aligns with the city’s strategy of hosting events that go beyond conventional formats.
The Bernabéu, long associated with major football finals and global sporting events, now incorporates tennis into its evolving identity. The Madrid Open’s decision to use the stadium underlines a shift toward expanding the sport’s reach, creating a setting that connects tennis with a wider audience and reinforces its place within a broader entertainment landscape.
Nadal and Sinner headline Bernabéu showcase
The opening event brought together figures from tennis and football, with Nadal paired alongside Thibaut Courtois and Sinner alongside Jude Bellingham. The session was led by tournament directors Feliciano López and Garbiñe Muguruza, underlining its role as a central moment in the tournament’s opening phase.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez also took part, acting as an honorary chair umpire and presenting shirts to both Nadal and Sinner. The setting, typically associated with football, provided a distinct backdrop that elevated the visibility of the exhibition and reinforced the connection between different sporting worlds.
Gerard nian, CEO of the Madrid Open, framed the initiative as part of the tournament’s long-standing approach to innovation: “Ever since its first year, the Mutua Madrid Open has stood out above any other tournament on the tour, and it has never stopped implementing initiatives like this one.”
Madrid Open reinforces global ambition with Bernabéu project
The installation of a clay court at the Bernabéu represents more than an additional training facility. It reflects a broader strategy aimed at combining iconic venues with major international events to create new formats and experiences within the sport.
Tsobanian emphasised the scale of the collaboration and its intended impact on the tournament’s positioning: “This year’s proposal will undoubtedly raise the bar even higher, initiating a collaboration with one of the best stadiums in the world, the Bernabéu, home of Real Madrid, and will place the Mutua Madrid Open in a unique category that includes only the best.”
He also highlighted the symbolic dimension of the project, linking the identity of the tournament with that of the stadium: “This initiative marks an historic step for the tournament, the city of Madrid, and the stadium itself.”
“Bringing a clay court to one of the world’s most iconic venues creates a unique coming together of the traditions of tennis and the universal dimension of a venue that will be transformed as it continues to offer surprising new experiences.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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