#PlayAtHome: 2020 Madrid event shifts to online gaming competition

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing professional tennis players off the courts until at least mid-July, the Mutua Madrid Open has found an alternative way to bring some of the sport's biggest stars together in Manolo Santana Stadium.

Organizers of the combined ATP-WTA event will stage an online version of their tournament from April 27-30. It will begin with a 16-player round robin competition using the World Tennis Tour video game, featuring a mix of players from both tours playing online, along with some other contests.

"Since we announced that the Mutua Madrid Open would not take place on the dates planned, we have been working on ideas for bringing tennis to the fans," Spanish player Feliciano Lopez, who now also runs the tournament, said in a statement. "The Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro highlights the tournament’s technological, youthful and innovative side [and] is fitting for the current circumstances."

The winners will ultimately have the chance to help their lower-ranked colleagues in need. With a prize purse of 150,000 Euros per draw, the champions will have ownership on how 100,000 Euros are distributed, with remaining third allocated toward coronavirus pandemic relief efforts.

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“This is a win-win for all—the Mutua Madrid Open, the players, and the fans," ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said. "We are particularly pleased that funds raised from this initiative will contribute towards supporting the wider playing group, which is critical during these challenging times.”

The WTA's chairman and CEO Steve Simon concurred.

"We look forward to the virtual game, which can serve as a fun source of entertainment while at the same helping to bridge a gap until live tennis returns," he said. While also providing opportunities to help those players in need during this challenging time.”

The event will be televised and online, with interviews and commentary.

The tournament next plans on announcing the names of the players who will participate in the competition.