Mutua Madrid Open—Madrid, Spain
Alcaraz Prevails in Opening Match
Friday’s action at the Madrid Open in Spain saw two-time former winner Carlos Alcaraz race into the third round, defeating Alexander Shevchenko 6-2, 6-1.
Needing a mere one hour and eight minutes to advance, Alcaraz showed that his recent arm injury wasn’t a major concern. Striking one ace and winning 65 percent of his first serve points, Alcaraz added 19 impressive winners to his victory.
The No. 2 seed will have a much tougher test in the next, taking on Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild. The 24-year-old dispatched Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-4 earlier in the day.
Elsewhere, No. 7 seed Andrey Rublev snapped a four-match losing streak, dismissing Facundo Bagnis 6-1, 6-4.
Other winners on the day included No. 8 seed Hubert Hurkacz, No. 15 seed Tommy Paul, and Canadian Denis Shapovalov.
Sabalenka Wins
On the women’s side, No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka needed three sets to oust Magda Linette 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 and No. 4 seed and recent Stuttgart winner Elena Rybakina advanced over Lucia Bronzetti 6-3, 6-4.
Saturday’s schedule of play in Madrid will feature Iga Swiatak, Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner and five-time winner Rafael Nadal.
Nadal will face No. 10 seed Alex de Minaur.
Watch all the action live this week from the Madrid Open on Tennis TV.
Get ready for the year’s second Major today, with great tickets to the French Open in Paris. Nadal has stated that this year could be his final trip to Paris as a professional player.
