Rublev Ousts Alcaraz
Russian Andrey Rublev ousted two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz from the Madrid Open on Wednesday, defeating the Spaniard 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
After losing the first set, Rublev rebounded to steamroll his higher-ranked opponent.
Striking five aces, winning 80 percent of his first serve points and breaking serve on three occasions, Rublev tied his head-to-head with Alcaraz at 1-1.
The 26-year-old will next face Taylor Fritz or Francisco Cerundolo for a place in the semifinals.
Sabalenka Moves On
On the women’s side, No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka ousted Mirra Andreeva 6-1, 6-4 and will next meet No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina.
Rybakina defeated Yulia Putintseva in three tough sets earlier in the day.
Sabalenka leads her head-to-head over Rybakina at 5-3.
Thursday’s action in Madrid will feature the women’s semifinals and men’s quarterfinals. Iga Swiatek will take on Madison Keys and Daniil Medvedev will face Jiri Lehecka.
Reigning Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner withdrew from his quarterfinal contest with Felix Auger-Aliassime with a hip injury.
Watch all the action live this week from Madrid on Tennis TV.
Get ready for the year’s second Major today, with great tickets to the French Open in Paris. Rafael Nadal is set to play his most successful event for perhaps the last time in his career.