The tournament released its annual figures. Overall prize money is up 12.3 percent.
A fired-up Fabio Fognini has scored successive Tour-level wins for the first time since April, 2022.
Carlos Alcaraz, who will regain No. 1 after Rome, names his top rival.
"If Rafa goes, I'm going to take him in Paris any day," Coco Gauff said of French Open favorite.
Casper Ruud is hoping to pick up wins this week in Rome.
"We sincerely apologize to all the players and fans who expect more of the Mutua Madrid Open tournament," Tsobanian, CEO of the Mutua Madrid Open, said.
Ben Navarro's Beemok Capital bought the tournament from the USTA last year. He may put it in a new home next.
