Would world-famous stars compete for a place in the magical stadium in the middle of a busy square?
No.
So why are camera-wielding crowds gathering around the orange court early Monday evening and cameras pointing at an empty court?
“Another half hour and they’ll be here,” reports an excited fan. Who? Perhaps one of the famous tennis players?
Exactly. And perhaps one of the most sung.
Home favorite and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
“I like coming back to Madrid, I have great memories of the tournament here,” smiles the 20-year-old Spaniard. “I’m looking forward to the matches, I feel more confident every year.”
If the surface doesn’t change, you probably won’t see me here next year.
Rafael Nadal on blue court experiments in 2012
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