Defending champion in singles was Rafael Nadal . This year he made it to the final again, where he met Novak Đoković, who was unbeaten this season . As in the Indian Wells and Miami finals, he again prevailed against Nadal and won his sixth title this year. It was his first triumph in Madrid and the 24th ATP title in his career. For Nadal, however, a two-year winning streak ended on clay court. In doubles, the Bryan brothers were able to defend their title with a two-set win over Michaël Llodra and Nenad Zimonjić . For them it was the fourth triumph in Madrid (after 2006, 2007 and 2010), the fifth title this year and the 71st joint ATP title.
The field of participants in the single competition consisted of 56 players, that of the double competition consisted of 24 pairs. The 8 top seeded players in singles or pairings in doubles each got a bye into the second round. The total prize money was 2,835,000 euros; the total financial liabilities were 3,706,000 euros.
The qualification took place April 29-30, 2011. Seven qualifying places were played, which entitle them to participate in the main draw of the tournament. There was also a lucky loser.
The following prize money and world ranking points were paid out or credited for reaching the respective round. Players who moved into the main draw via qualification received the specified qualification points in addition to those for reaching the respective round. Otherwise the amounts are not to be understood as cumulative. The prize money for the double competition is valid per team.