Mutua Madrid Open—Madrid, Spain
Thursday’s action at the Mutua Madrid Open was highlighted by qualifier Aslan Karatsev ousting Zhizhen Zhang 7-6(3), 6-4.
Karatsev, who has been quiet on Tour since reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 2021, will next face lucky loser Jan-Lennard Struff for a place in the finals.
Struff upset No. 4 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-3 later in the day.
On the women’s side, No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka advanced past No. 9 seed Maria Sakkari to reach the finals 6-4, 6-1, and top seed Iga Swiatek cruised into another final over Veronika Kudermetova 6-1, 6-1. The women’s final will be contested on Saturday.
Friday’s schedule in the Spanish Capital will feature men’s semifinal action. Top seed Carlos Alcaraz will take on No. 17 seed Borna Coric and Tsitsipas will face Karatsev. The men’s final will take place on Sunday.
Quarterfinal results:
Jan-Lennard Struff Defeats (4) Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6(5) 57 63
Aslan Karatsev Defeats Zhizhen Zhang 76(3) 64
