Madrid doesn’t play like traditional clay, and that’s what makes the Madrid Masters 2026 tournament dangerous.
The altitude speeds everything up, big servers get a boost, and matches can turn in a hurry.
That’s why players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz come in as the obvious names to beat, but as we’ve seen here before, nothing is ever that simple.
With defending champion Casper Ruud trying to hold his ground, proven threats like Alexander Zverev lurking, and a handful of dangerous outsiders ready to take advantage of the conditions, this year’s Madrid Masters feels wide open.
Let’s break down the Madrid Masters 2026 favorites, the longshots who could crash the party, and one player you may want to stay away from.
Mutua Madrid Masters 2026 Tournament Content Hub
Get ready for Madrid! Our 2026 Madrid Masters content hub has everything you need for the Men’s and Women’s tournaments—updated daily right up to the first ball.
Mutua Madrid Open 2026
Intelligence Command Center
Draws & Tournament Vitals
ATP Power Rankings
VIEW ATP TOP 100WTA Power Rankings
VIEW WTA TOP 100Price-First Betting Strategy • Independent Analysis • ROI Focused
Past Five Madrid Open Champions
The 2026 Mutua Madrid Masters edition features six former champions, including Novak Djokovic (2011, 2016, 2019).
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 🇳🇴 Casper Ruud | 🇬🇧 Jack Draper | 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 |
| 2024 | 🇷🇺 Andrey Rublev | 🇨🇦 Felix Auger-Aliassime | 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 |
| 2023 | 🇪🇸 Carlos Alcaraz | 🇩🇪 Jan-Lennard Struff | 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 |
| 2022 | 🇪🇸 Carlos Alcaraz | 🇩🇪 Alexander Zverev | 6-3, 6-1 |
| 2021 | 🇩🇪 Alexander Zverev | 🇮🇹 Matteo Berrettini | 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-3 |
Madrid Open Favorites
Casper Ruud
Defending champion Casper Ruud beat five seeded players in a row to win the 2025 title. He’s 13–6 lifetime in Madrid, but that recent Round of 16 retirement is something to watch with 1000 points to defend.
Jannik Sinner
This is a free swing for World No. 1 Jannik Sinner after missing last year. He’s already won three Masters 1000 titles this season and comes in as one of the clear players to beat.
Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz thrives in Madrid. A two-time champion with a 15–2 record here, he’s one of the most dangerous players in the field and a strong candidate to win again.
Alexander Zverev
Alexander Zverev’s game is built for Madrid conditions. A two-time champion, his serve and baseline control make him a serious threat on this surface.
Crush & Rush News: ATP & WTA Entry Lists
Stay ahead of the draw. Get the definitive look at the field before the first ball is struck.
Madrid Open Longshots
Francisco Cerundolo
A natural clay-court player, Francisco Cerundolo’s semifinal run last year was no surprise. He already has a title this season and can absolutely go deep again.
Felix Auger-Aliassime
Madrid suits Felix Auger-Aliassime’s power game. A former finalist with no points to defend, he’s a dangerous outsider.
One Madrid Open Fade
Jack Draper
Jack Draper made a surprising run to the finals last year, but durability remains a major concern. He missed the Australian Open and recently retired in Barcelona against Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
He’s shown flashes, but until he proves he can stay healthy across multiple matches, he’s a risky play and a clear fade.
Phil Naessens is a tennis betting analyst and former tennis coach with decades of experience in player development and match analysis. He is the founder of Crush Rush News and host of the Crush & Rush Tennis Podcast, focusing on price-first betting strategy, market efficiency, and transparency in sports wagering.
