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Former world No. 1 Andy Murray described Caja Magica in Madrid as a "special place" and admitted beating Rafael Nadal in a Madrid final was "fantastic." Murray, 34, debuted on the clay courts of the Madrid Masters long ago in 2006.
Since then, Murray has made 11 appearances in Madrid. Murray has had success in Madrid throughout his career as he made it all the way at the tournament in 2008 and 2015. Murray defeated Gilles Simon in the 2008 Madrid final but the way on which he achieved his second Madrid title was absolutely impressive as he handed Nadal a 6-3 6-2 loss in the 2015 Madrid final.
”I’ve played a lot of matches there and I’m lucky to have won, so it’s difficult… But if I have to pick one I’d say when I beat Nadal in the 2015 final. He’s the best player in clay court history and being able to beat him 6-3 and 6-2 in a final in Spain was fantastic," Murray recalled, per Tennishead.
Murray on what makes Caja Magica a special place
”I would also say Spain’s relationship with tennis. It is part of their culture. They like it, they know tennis… It’s fantastic to play there. They love the sport, they cheer for you and they are very passionate.
Plus, they know the sport. You live an incredible atmosphere. ”It is different from the rest of the tennis stadiums in the world. It is fantastic, because it allows you to play in conditions that are not the best, and a fan joins you who supports you.
They are close to the court and they are passionate about you”. Unfortunately for the Madrid organizers, Murray won't be participating at the tournament this year. Murray plans to skip the entire clay season as he is targeting to have a big grass season.