Real Madrids’ Bernabéu is turning into a Tennis stadium

April 25, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

The Santiago Bernabéu, home to Real Madrid's footballing legends, recently underwent a remarkable transformation, briefly converting its hallowed turf into a clay tennis court.

The audacious stunt served as a celebration of the Mutua Madrid Open and a powerful statement about the stadium's burgeoning identity as a premier multi-purpose arena, according to Managing Madrid.

The unique event saw a blend of sporting royalty grace the temporary court. Real Madrid stars Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois teamed up in a lighthearted doubles match against tennis titans Rafael Nadal, a lifelong Real Madrid supporter, and Jannik Sinner.

Presiding over the proceedings as chair umpire was none other than Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, who also presented Sinner with a personalised club shirt.

The gathering was further enhanced by the late appearance of women's tennis world number one Iga Swiatek, who shared exchanges with Courtois, and the presence of footballer Linda Caicedo.

The entire showcase was orchestrated by hosts Feliciano López and Garbiñe Muguruza, with the clay surface reportedly constructed in a mere 24 hours.

A new era for the Bernabéu

This tennis spectacle is more than just a one-off event; it's a vivid demonstration of the renovated Bernabéu's capabilities.

The stadium is being strategically positioned to host a diverse array of major events beyond football, including NFL games, large-scale concerts, and elite tennis exhibitions.

Bellingham and Courtois had already been spotted enjoying matches at the Caja Mágica earlier in the week, underscoring the club's engagement with the tournament.

Following its brief moment in the spotlight, the clay court will now transition into a private training facility for players during the Mutua Madrid Open, with sessions remaining closed to the public.

This practical application further highlights the versatility now embedded within the stadium's design.

Ambitious vision for record-breaking tennis

Florentino Pérez harbours an ambitious long-term vision for the Bernabéu's tennis future.

The Real Madrid president aims to stage a high-profile match between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in Madrid, an event that could potentially shatter existing attendance records. The current record for a tennis match stands at 51,594 spectators, set during a Federer–Nadal exhibition in Cape Town in 2020.

With its expanded capacity and state-of-the-art facilities, the Bernabéu is well-equipped to surpass this benchmark, cementing its status as a global hub for sports and entertainment.

Sources: www.managingmadrid.com