Competing at home is a privilege, especially in a sport as itinerant as tennis.
A luck that we must value whenever we have the opportunity to enjoy it.
These days the best players in the world compete in the Mutua Madrid Open, a tournament that is already celebrating its 20th anniversary in the Spanish capital.
A reality that must always be valued as it deserves.
The event has established itself as a key date on the calendar and one of the most prestigious stops in the clay court season.
Its growth has been steady and, for the first time, it has been established as a two-week tournament.
Being lucky enough to play in front of family and friends, feeling a sincere warmth from the people, who use their time and money to come and support you, is one of the most beautiful sensations that the athlete can feel.
That encouragement is an extra boost that you see in every game: every cheer, every banner or every time your name resonates in a stadium is a boost as powerful as the best shot.
The girls have a special weight in the only women's tournament held in Spain.
Since the inclusion of the WTA competition in 2009, a period that I was fortunate to experience, returning to the Caja Mágica each season has been one of the great illusions to continue giving the best in each training session.
Although no Spanish player has managed to win the tournament so far, the enthusiasm with which this competition is faced is always special.
Opinion
The inexhaustible factory of Spanish tennis
This season, Paula Badosa, Garbiñe Muguruza, Sara Sorries and Nuria Párrizas can compete with the public in favor.
They have all passed their first game in Madrid and that clearly speaks of the good connection there is with the fans.
The public helps you win matches, especially in a country as passionate as Spain.
The boys will be well protected for another season.
Accustomed to Rafa's deeds, with five Madrid trophies, this year the competition brings special emotions.
Nadal returns after several weeks out of the competition due to injury, and the team will also welcome Djokovic, who continues to serve as number one in a more atypical season than usual.
In addition, a great expectation will be placed on Carlos Alcaraz.
At just 18 years old, he has managed to win three of the biggest tournaments of the year, triumphing on the clay of Rio de Janeiro and Barcelona, with the great victory of the Masters 1000 in Miami as the main endorsement of the season.
He is already a mass phenomenon and Madrid must support him.
He has earned it with his effort.
Spanish tennis is in enormous health.
Pablo Carreño, finalist in Barcelona, and Alejandro Davidovich, runner-up in Monte Carlo, will also show off their strength on the clay in Madrid.
It is a celebration of tennis, but also an opportunity to thank them with encouragement for all their dedication.
Madrid celebrates two decades enjoying world-class tennis at its doorstep.
Let's value what these words mean and let's be aware of the fortune we have.
You can follow EL PAÍS Deportes on
and
, or sign up here to receive
our weekly newsletter
.
Exclusive content for subscribers
read without limits
subscribe
I'm already a subscriber