Why this year’s Madrid Open final is a positive step for women’s tennis

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Mirra Andreeva and Marta Kostyuk will play for the Madrid Open title after both taking advantage of a wide-open draw.

None of the tournament’s top eight seeds made it to the semi-finals, leaving a clear path for others to step up.

Kostyuk and Andreeva didn’t waste their opportunity, putting together strong runs to book their places in the final.

While there may not be as many big names as usual, this year’s final is an encouraging sign of where the women’s game is headed.

Madrid Open final features two women-coached players

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The 2026 Madrid Open final will be contested by two players who are coached by women, something that doesn’t happen all that often.

Andreeva is coached by former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez, while Sandra Zaniewska works with Kostyuk.

They’re also the only two players inside the top 10 of the ‘Live WTA Race’ who have female coaches.

Both have built strong reputations, not just among female coaches but across the sport as a whole.

This year’s final highlights how well they’ve been performing and could help more women get a chance in coaching roles at the top level.

Judy Murray, a longtime supporter of women’s tennis, weighed in on X, saying simply:

“Great to see this,” said Murray

The match is set for Saturday, May 2. Andreeva and Kostyuk will face off for the title under two very familiar sets of guidance.

Conchita Martinez and Sandra Zaniewska give their thoughts on women in coaching

Speaking as a guest on ‘Daily Dani’ in 2025, Martinez explained that it’s passion, not gender, that determines the success of a coach.