While the cancellation of the tennis season till at least middle of July has left tennis fans hoping for a quick turnaround of things from how serious they have been, the Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro comes as bit of a relief. And with Rafael Nadal and Kiki Bertens also signing up to join the action, things could get exciting.
The Madrid Open Virtual Pro organisers have managed to rope in the Spanish world number two Nadal to join Andy Murray and Lucas Pouille in the 16-man strong competition which will begin from April 27.
Also appearing will be the women’s singles winner from the 2019 Madrid Open, Kiki Bertens, who had shocked Simona Halep in the final last year. Bertens will be joined by Frenchwoman Fiona Ferro in the line-up which already consists of Germany’s Angelique Kerber and Carla Suarez Navarro.
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Speaking on her decision to participate at the Madrid Open Virtual Pro, Bertens said:
“I think the Virtual Project is a fun initiative for a great cause. I will certainly miss not playing in Madrid this year as I really like the tournament but I will do my best to compete from the couch at home in the Tennis World Tour game.”
Bertens and Ferro, along with Kerber and Navarro will have 12 other women’s players forming a group-cum-knockout competition which will run for four days. Each of them will be a part of a four-player group, and will play three matches on their Playstation 4.
Those finishing in the top two will qualify for the knockout quarterfinals.
The same format will be used in the men’s section of the draw as well, which will also see John Isner making it to the competition.
Isner said he was happy to be a part and would look to get into some kind of a groove in order to be able to compete with the others.
“I am excited that the Mutua Madrid Open is hosting a virtual tennis competition. Although I am not much of a gamer I will be practicing so I won’t embarrass myself! Love the creativity by the organization and it’s a huge plus that the proceeds will be going to fight the virus.”
The tournament will be broadcast live on television and can be streamed online as well. Fans will also be able to watch highlight packages and post-match interviews after every encounter.
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