Jack Draper has withdrawn from the Mutua Madrid Open, citing an aggravated knee tendon that also rules him out of next month's Italian Open. The British No. 2, who reached the US Open semi-finals last year, is targeting a return at Roland Garros in May.

Draper joins a growing list of high-profile absentees, with Emma Raducanu, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic all pulling out of the event. "It's frustrating for sure but I am thankful it isn't anything more serious," the 24-year-old said. "I feel good about my chances of being fit for Roland Garros."

Britain's Katie Boulter begins her campaign against American Taylor Townsend in the first round. Boulter has won all three of their previous meetings, though they haven't played since Beijing in 2024. A victory would set up a potential second-round clash with fifth seed Jessica Pegula, who claimed her second WTA title of the season in Charleston.

Jannik Sinner is the top seed and receives a first-round bye, while Cameron Norrie also advances directly to the second round.