current location:HOME > Sports News > Tennis Life > Text content

Madrid Open: Carlos Alcaraz title defence ended by Andrey Rublev

nqajqrqw8months ago (05-11)Tennis Life452

Alcaraz's Madrid Open title defence ended by Rublev

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz reacts during his quarter final match against Russia's Andrey RublevImage source, Reuters
Image caption,

Alcaraz suffered his first defeat on Spanish clay in 25 matches

  • Published
    1 May 2024

Carlos Alcaraz's bid for a third straight title at the Madrid Open was ended by Andrey Rublev.

Russian seventh seed Rublev rallied from a set down in the quarter-final to win 4-6 6-3 6-2 and break Alcaraz's 14-match winning streak in the Spanish capital.

The 20-year-old second seed was aiming to become the first player to win three consecutive Madrid Open singles titles.

Rublev will face American 12th seed Taylor Fritz, who beat Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo 6-1 3-6 6-3 for his 250th tour-level win.

After a gruelling win against Jan-Lennard Struff that lasted just under three hours on Tuesday, Alcaraz struggled to find his best form against Rublev.

The two-time Grand Slam champion missed clay court events in Monte Carlo and Barcelona earlier this month due to a right arm injury and, despite taking the opening set, he looked tired against Rublev, who fired home 30 winners.

The win ends a four-match losing streak for Rublev, who has won just one ATP 1,000 title in his career.

Alcaraz's exit is further blow to Spain's home hopes in Madrid after five-time champion Rafael Nadal lost to Jiri Lehecka on Tuesday in what was likely to be the 37-year-old's last appearance at the tournament.

Meanwhile, world number two Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the tournament with a right-hip injury, handing Thursday's opponent Felix Auger-Aliassime a walk-over into the semi-finals.

Canada's Auger-Aliassime will face either Lehecka or Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, who play on Friday.

Sabalenka into first semi-final since Australian Open

In the women's draw, defending champion Aryna Sablenka breezed into the semi-finals with a straightforward 6-1 6-4 win over Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva.

The Belarusian second seed did not face a break point against the 17-year-old.

Sabalenka will play Elena Rybakina in her first semi-final since her Australian Open triumph in January.

Rybakina booked her last-four spot after fighting back from a set down to beat fellow Kazakh Yulia Putintseva 4-6 7-6 (7-4) 7-5.

The fourth seed, a Wimbledon winner in 2022, said it will be a "tough battle" against Sabalenka, who she defeated in the final of the Brisbane International earlier this year.

Sinner takes doctors' advice

Italian Sinner, 22, said he was "very sad to have to withdraw" from Madrid.

"My hip has been bothering me this week and has slowly been getting more painful. Taking the advice from the doctors we decided it's best to not play further and make it worse," he wrote on X.

He is due to feature at next week's Italian Open in Rome before heading to the second Grand Slam of the season - the French Open - in Paris on 26 May, having already won the Australian Open in January.

Link to this article:https://www.brazilv.com/post/70.html

Share with friends:

“Madrid Open: Carlos Alcaraz title defence ended by Andrey Rublev” ofrelated articles

Tennis: ATP, WTA& Grand Slams and in Premium Tour talks but what role will Saudi Arabia play?

Tennis: ATP, WTA& Grand Slams and in Premium Tour talks but what role will Saudi Arabia play?

What lies in store for tennis' revamped future?Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Saudi Arabia already hosts the Next Gen ATP FinalsRussell Full...

Stephen A. Smith weighs in on JJ Redick, Sam Cassell as Lakers head coaching candidates / News - Basketnews.com

Stephen A. Smith weighs in on JJ Redick, Sam Cassell as Lakers head coaching candidates / News - Basketnews.com

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said JJ Redick has a "brilliant basketball mind" and Sam Cassell "deserves an opportunity."...

Darius Thompson receives Italian passport / News - Basketnews.com

Darius Thompson receives Italian passport / News - Basketnews.com

Anadolu Efes Istanbul player Darius Thompson received an Italian passport....

Rudy Gobert receives fine for money gesture / News - Basketnews.com

Rudy Gobert receives fine for money gesture / News - Basketnews.com

Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert received a $75,000 fine for yet again making the money gesture in protest of NBA referees....

Virtus Bologna to lose their main sponsor / News - Basketnews.com

Virtus Bologna to lose their main sponsor / News - Basketnews.com

Segafredo Zanetti discontinues sponsorship with Virtus Bologna, opting for new marketing strategies....