There are tournaments that start off normally, until unexpected details begin to completely alter their development.
The 2026 Mutua Madrid Open is currently taking place from April 20 to May 3, and in this context, Madison Keys was ready to play her match, but before taking to the court everything changed: she withdrew from the tournament suddenly.
The reason? A viral illness. No more details, but enough to take her out just at a time when rhythm was starting to matter more than ever.
Because Keys did not arrive empty-handed
She was coming off a good recent run. At the Charleston Open, she put together a solid run that got her back into the competitive rhythm:
- She defeated Donna Veki 6-2, 6-3 in the round of 32
- She defeated Anna Bondar 6-2, 7-5 in the round of 16
- She defeated Belinda Bencic (3rd seed) in three sets: 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in the quarter-finals
- She lost to Ukraine’s Yuliia Starodubtseva 1-6, 6-4 in the semifinals
That journey had clearly returned feelings of growth, just at a stage where each tournament begins to weigh differently. In addition, he is still in the top 20 in the world, ranked #17.
And that is why this drop does not feel isolated.
Madrid was not just another stop in the season. It is part of the road to the French Open, which starts on May 24. And although this break takes her out for a moment, she is expected to be ready to reach the Grand Slam in Paris.
In addition, the tournament had already been modified beforehand, with several important withdrawals that have changed everything, both in the women’s and men’s sides.
In the men’s case, one of the names generating the most noise is Novak Djokovic, who remains in doubt about his participation. This is compounded by another shocking piece of news for the draw: the confirmed absence of Carlos Alcaraz, who is suffering from a right wrist injury.
In this context, Keys’ departure is not just another absence; it is a reminder of the difficult time the team is experiencing this season.
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