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

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

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.

“I’m really passionate with what I do, and I think that shows and that helps to give the player what they need,” said Martinez.

“I really enjoy my time when it’s like this, I have a lot of fun with Mirra [Andreeva], we have an incredible connection.

“But with all of my players, I always feel that if they see me passionate, it helps.”

Zaniewska also addressed the lack of female coaches during an appearance on the ‘Inside In’ podcast last year.

“I think the female coaches’ subject has been brought up so many times over the past couple of years, and things are changing little by little,” she said.

Zaniewska highlighted how progress is gradual but noted moments like Martinez’s work with Andreeva as positive steps forward. She also spoke about her own goals:

“We’ve had Conchita [Martinez] this year that did a great job with Mirra [Andreeva], and again it pushes the needle forward a little bit, but I think we need a bit more consistency in that. “I hope that I can contribute as well for female coaches, but also for Marta [Kostyuk].”

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