Carlos Alcaraz, the second-seeded Spanish player, faced a tough challenge in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open as he went head-to-head with the seventh-seeded Andrey Rublev. Despite getting off to a good start, Alcaraz was ultimately outplayed by Rublev, resulting in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 loss on the center court of the Caja Magica. This defeat marked the end of Alcaraz’s bid to secure a third consecutive Madrid Open title.
Throughout the match, it became evident that Alcaraz was struggling and seemed out of sorts. After a challenging three-set victory over Jan-Lennard Struff the day before, Alcaraz appeared to be mistake-prone and unable to find his rhythm. This performance was particularly surprising as it was his first tournament back after missing both Monte Carlo and Barcelona due to a right forearm injury. Despite arriving in Madrid with hopes of playing several matches, Alcaraz’s journey was cut short by a resilient Rublev.
Andrey Rublev, aiming for his second ATP 1000 title following his victory in Monte Carlo last year, showcased a solid and commanding performance from the start. With 30 winners to his name, Rublev’s powerful serve played a crucial role in securing his victory over Alcaraz. Maintaining his composure throughout the match, Rublev emphasized the importance of staying calm under pressure, highlighting his ability to elevate his game when it mattered most.
Meanwhile, fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina displayed resilience and determination in her quarterfinal match, saving two match points against Yulia Putintseva to secure a hard-fought 4-6, 7-6 (4), 7-5 victory. Trailing 5-2 in the third set, the 2022 Wimbledon champion staged an impressive comeback, showcasing her mental fortitude and competitive spirit. With eight consecutive wins under her belt and a remarkable 30-4 record this season, Rybakina’s dominance on the court has been undeniable.
As the Madrid Open progresses, tennis fans can look forward to exciting matches in the women’s semifinals. Elena Rybakina will face off against either defending champion Aryna Sabalenka or the young talent Mirra Andreeva in her quest to reach her sixth final of the year. On the men’s side, Andrey Rublev will continue his pursuit of another ATP 1000 title as he awaits the winner between Taylor Fritz and Francisco Cerundolo. Despite Alcaraz’s early exit, the tournament promises thrilling matchups and fierce competition as the world’s best players compete on the clay courts of Madrid.