The first concern of the players when they begin to play in Madrid is the altitude. And, though it is not as extreme as some tournaments, it does have an influence. The ball runs quite fast and unlike some clay court venues, the serve becomes a fundamental weapon. Players who want to perform well typically arrive early to become accustomed to the conditions.

The 2017 Mutua Madrid Open 2017 represents the sixteenth edition of the tournament with Andre Agassi its first champion in 2002.

Rafael Nadal has won the tournament four times and is the only ATP player to repeat two consecutive years (2013 and 2014).

Roger Federer has won three times and Novak Djokovic twice. Meanwhile, Andy Murray, the current world no. 1, won the championship in 2015.

In 2009, the tournament moved to La Caja Mágica. And it is in that year that the WTA was also included. Dinara Safina won the first edition by beating Caroline Wozniacki in the final. Serena Williams won the title two consecutive years (2012 and 2013).

The defending champions for 2017 are Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep. Will they be able to repeat? This will be a storyline to follow in the coming days.

While tournaments often say that anything can happen, this year should promise surprises. With players like Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori, Dominic Thiem or Nick Kyrgios in the ATP and Johanna Konta, Karolina Pliskova and Elina Svitolina in the WTA, the unexpected could be just around the corner.

Additionally, one can't forget that Maria Sharapova is back and will be an opponent that many will not want to face.

Although Madrid is considered a preparatory tournament for the French Open, it offers enticing prize money and points for the participants which brings in a top quality field of players.

Interesting facts:

Have you ever wondered how many balls are used in a tournament like Madrid? The Madrid Mutua Open 2017 will use 20,000  balls. (10,000  for the ATP tournament and 10,000  for the WTA).

Additionally, the tournament will use 1,500  towels for the courts and 1,500  towels in the shower rooms.