Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray are set to take part in the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament this month — virtually, that is.
The Virtual Pro tournament will take place from April 27 to 30 and players will be swapping their rackets for a Playstation 4 console in order to compete.
There are a number of players joining Nadal and Murray, including Eugenie Bouchard, John Isner, David Goffin and Karen Khachanov.
Here are the next four names! 🔥 The #MMOPEN Virtual Pro will include @David__Goffin, @KikiMladenovic, @karenkhachanov and @geniebouchard! 🎮 What do you think?#PlayAtHome pic.twitter.com/LdGH6s898U
— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) April 13, 2020
The goal of the tournament is to raise money for fellow tennis players who are currently doing it tough during COVID-19. Many players currently have no income due to the cancellation of all tennis tournaments.
According to the WTA, there is 150,000 euros (over $250,000 AUD) in prize money up for grabs in both men’s and women’s events, with the winners deciding how much to donate to their fellow players.
Another 50,000 euros will go towards reducing the social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to ATP, Nadal holds the record for most Mutua Madrid Open titles with five wins.
“From isolation and with the strength and encouragement we are all giving each other, I’m happy to play in Madrid’s virtual tournament and, as always, I will be trying to give my all,” Nadal said.
“I’m not sure how good I’ll be at it, but I hope to be with you all and feel your support as is always the case when I play at home, this time virtually”.
Fans will be able to follow the tournament online, via the Mutua Madrid Open’s social media channels.