Garbiñe Muguruza returns to Madrid as co-tournament director

Garbiñe Muguruza is returning to the Mutua Madrid Open—not as a player, but as co-tournament director, one year after celebrating her retirement at La Caja Mágica.

Tournament organizers announced on Thursday that Muguruza will share the role with Feliciano López, who has led the event since 2019 after succeeding Manolo Santana.

The joint leadership model is a first for tennis, with Madrid officials calling it part of the tournament’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to equality.

“Taking on the co-directorship of the Mutua Madrid Open is a tremendous honor. This tournament has always embraced innovation and pushed boundaries, and I’m especially excited to join a project that keeps evolving and isn’t afraid to lead meaningful change in our sport,” Muguruza said in a statement.

Read More: Game, Set, Recharge: Garbiñe Muguruza’s three non-negotiables on a long flight

“My goal, together with Feliciano, is to bring that experience and help Madrid remain a cutting-edge reference point in the tennis world: a modern, equal, ambitious event that’s fully connected to the future of the game,” she added.

“I’m thrilled to work on a project that truly champions equality between men and women, including in leadership roles, and that continues to set the standard for both tours.”

A former world No. 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion, Muguruza officially retired during the 2024 season after a decorated career that also included winning the 2021 WTA Finals.

Since stepping away from the tour, she has taken on the role of Tournament Director at the WTA Finals Riyadh presented by PIF, gotten married to partner Arthur Borges, and is now expecting her first child.

The 2026 Mutua Madrid Open will take place from April 21 to May 3. The current singles champions are Casper Ruud and Aryna Sabalenka.