When the female tennis players head back to Spain’s capital for the Madrid Open this week, they may be forgiven for letting out a collective groan. A quick glance at the tournament’s history shows a litany of gaffes, accusations of inequality and a full-blown sexism row just last year. Not exactly a highlight of the calendar.

It may be a new year but those memories are still fresh. One insider says the tournament – which is a WTA 1000 event, offering one of the most prestigious titles of the year – attracts eyerolls from a number of top female players. “When something happens, and it always does, everyone will be like: ‘Classic Madrid,’” said a source close to the action.

Last year was a case in point. The tournament came under fire for employing model ball girls, whose crop tops were replaced by baggier attire for the closing stages of the event.

It began with the former owner of the Madrid Open, the Romanian businessman and former player Ion Tiriac, who spent years openly admitting he valued the men more than the women. He argued they brought in more money in television rights and sponsorship, so the prize money should reflect that – which by the way, is an opinion shared by others if not vocalised as publicly. He also provided sleazy commentary on WTA players’ legs and demeaning opinions on their ability.