Postcard from Madrid

The Madrid Open is one of only nine ATP 1000 Masters events (Europe has four of them) and only the Grand Slams have more points on offer. If you’re a fan of playing or watching tennis, spotting celebrities (footballers, Spanish royalty and the odd Hollywood star all love the Madrid Open), enjoy excellent museums, engage in retail therapy, or dig good food and wine, then Madrid and its big tennis event should be on your bucket list.

Explore in this article…

PLAY

The All Court Tennis Club partners with the prestigious and historic Club de Tenis Chamartin, where our Madrid ambassador and former world number 17, Francisco “Pato” Clavet, is a member.

Hey, here’s an idea …. how about gaining access to the club and playing with Pato (with the added benefit of hearing about his perseverance over world number ones like McEnroe, Hewitt and Federer)?  Or would you like to simply access the club to play with your travelling companions? Well, drop shot your email and we’ll set you up.

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    The Chamartin Tennis Club was founded in 1922.  It is one of the oldest and most traditional (in a good way) tennis clubs in Madrid, plus it’s location is ideal – being the club closest to the city centre.

    You can enjoy the private member racquets facilities in a serene setting super close to your hotel and still fit in the other cultural activities that Madrid has to offer. The club features a total of 20 tennis courts, including 14 clay courts, 4 artificial grass courts, 2 hard courts and, as it’s Spain, you will also find Padel courts of course!  In addition to the courts, you can also enjoy the swimming pool, gym and traditional Spanish restaurant, where we can attest that the San Miguel is ice cold and Spain’s famous white wine, Albariño, is crisp.  

    Madrid open

    The Madrid Open is one of the most important tournaments for men and women players on the road to the grand slam at Roland Garros.  For the men’s event, previous winners include Andy Murray and Carlos Alcaraz.  Incredibly, Rafa Nadal has won it five times with Novak Djovak and Roger Federer both on three wins, and Alexander Zverev with two. Petra Kvitová leads the women’s trophy haul with three wins and Simona Halep and Serena Williams share two a-piece.  

    The event is held at La Caja Mágica, or the Magic Box.  Why magic?  Apart from the atmosphere, the stadium has three main courts, each with a different surface: clay, hard, and grass.  As with a lot of Spanish architecture there’s cleverly concealed surprises thrown in.  Weather isn’t a problem as the box’s unique design features a retractable roof and a facade made of translucent material that allows natural light to filter through – Magic!  

     Can you get tickets? You bet.  Although often sold out, our ticketing concierge has deep networks inside the powers that be for the Madrid Open.   If you’re interested in procuring tickets please simply serve up the basic details below and we’ll be in touch:  

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      shop

      Madrid is a great city for shopping.  Not only can you visit the flagship stores of the ubiquitous Spanish success stories Zara and Mango – where you can find certain stock lines that are not available anywhere else – but there are also many other local designer options.  It’ll be hard not to find something new for your wardrobe.  Here are some of the best shopping areas in Madrid: 

      • Gran Via: One of Madrid’s most famous shopping streets, lined with international brands and Spanish retailers. It’s a great place to find fashion, accessories and cosmetics. 
      • Salamanca: Located in the north-east of the city, the Salamanca neighbourhood is known for its luxury boutiques and designer shops. Here you’ll find high-end fashion brands like Chanel, Gucci and Prada, as well as Spanish designers including Adolfo Dominguez and Loewe. 
      • El Rastro: Madrid’s most famous flea market, held every Sunday in the La Latina neighbourhood. Here you’ll find all sorts of second-hand and vintage items from clothing and accessories to antiques and collectibles. 
      • Chueca: A trendy neighbourhood known for its alternative fashion and independent boutiques, the Chueca barrio houses unique clothing, accessories, and jewellery from local designers. 
      • Malasaña: This is another hip neighbourhood known for its vintage shops and indie boutiques. It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories, as well as records and books. 

      EAT, DRINK
      AND BE MERRY

      When in Madrid it’s tapas tapas tapas!  You might not be able to visit all of them but here’s a few to whet the appetite!  

      • El Sur: Located in the La Latina neighbourhood, El Sur is known for its traditional tapas dishes and great selection of wines. It’s a cosy, casual spot that’s popular with locals and tourists alike. 
      • Casa Labra: This historic bar in the city centre is famous for its fried cod tapas, which are a must-try. Casa Labra has been serving its signature dish since 1860 and is still one of the most popular spots in Madrid for a quick bite and a drink. 
      • Bodega de la Ardosa: Head over to the Malasaña neighbourhood to scope out this classic bar that has been around since 1892 and is known for its delicious croquettes and cheese plates. It’s a cosy, authentic spot to take old friends or make new ones! 
      • Juana la Loca: A more modern twist can be round at Juana la Loca, located in the La Latina area which serves creative, contemporary dishes with a Spanish flair. Their signature dish is a truffle and mushroom risotto, and they also have a great selection of wines and cocktails. 
      • La Venencia: This must-visit sherry bar in the city centre will satisfy anyone interested in traditional Spanish wines. They have an extensive selection of sherries and other fortified wines, as well as delicious tapas dishes like cured meats and cheeses. 

      sleep

      We partner with hotels around the world, providing our members with unique benefits such as preferential rates and perks.  If you’d like to become a complimentary member of the All Court Tennis Club (and we’d certainly like that!) visit our membership page here. 

      In Madrid, we love staying at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, not least because of the hefty discount on room rates they offer our members.  A luxury hotel located in the heart of Madrid, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz first opened its doors at ‘The Ritz’ in 1910.   Designed by the famous French architect Charles Mewès, who also designed the Ritz hotels in Paris and London, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz is known for its elegant Belle Époque style and has played host to many notable guests over the years, including Ernest Hemingway, Ava Gardner, and the Spanish Royal Family. The hotel has 162 rooms and suites, all of which are individually decorated and furnished with luxurious amenities. 

        OUR MEMBER RECOMMENDATION

        One of our long-time Madrid members, Pedro Domeq, is a local whose family have been in the sherry business for generations.  He knows his way around Madrid and has been kind enough to share his favourite picks of the city.  Enjoy and we hope to hear from you soon or see you in Madrid! 

        I sometimes like to keep it loose and head over to Calle [or street] Ponzano.  There’s loads of bar, and tapas options as well as restaurants.  Maybe start at Arima (good tapas to provide a base for any drinking to follow!)  You can then just head around to the many places there that are always generally hopping.  Another option is Angelita (wine bar) more down-town. Best wines by the glass (with the idea being to have many types of wines while you eat what is some excellent food).”