Defending champion and world number two Carlos Alcaraz defeated Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-5 on Wednesday to reach the Madrid Open semi-finals.

The top seed, who turns 20 on Friday, fought his way back from 4-1 and 5-2 down in the second set to triumph in one hour 52 minutes.

Alcaraz blew away Alexander Zverev on Tuesday in a repeat of last year's final in the Spanish capital, but Khachanov put up stiffer opposition.

"Winning this match will give me a lot of confidence, Karen was at a great level and took me to the limit," said Alcaraz who unleashed 31 winners.

"It was decided by small details and I am very, very happy to be able to get through this round."

The Russian, who knocked out compatriot Andrey Rublev this week and also reached the Australian Open semi-finals, showed no fear in the first set despite his opponent's form.

Eventually Alcaraz found a decisive break to take a 4-3 lead with a strong forehand which Khachanov could not return successfully.

The Spaniard consolidated and served it out.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-skipper-hardik-pandya-opens-up-on-gts-shocking-loss-vs-dc-says-it-boils-down-to-me-588434">IPL 2023: Skipper Hardik Pandya opens up on GT's shocking loss vs DC, says 'it boils down to me'</a>

In the second set Khachanov broke for a 3-1 lead when Alcaraz went long after saving a first break point.

The world number 12 forced two more in the sixth game but could not convert either as Alcaraz fought hard to hold.

Alcaraz's perseverence paid off as he broke with a volley to get back on serve at 4-5.

The US Open champion consolidated his break and then earned another when Khachanov hit the net with an attempted forehand winner.

Aiming for his 10th tour level title the crowd-pleasing home favourite sealed his progress with a powerful forehand drive.

Alcaraz will face Daniel Altmaier or Borna Coric in Friday's semi-finals.

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Defending champion and world number two Carlos Alcaraz defeated Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-5 on Wednesday to reach the Madrid Open semi-finals. The top seed, who turns 20 on Friday, fought his way back from 4-1 and 5-2 down in the second set to triumph in one hour 52 minutes.

Defending champion and world number two Carlos Alcaraz defeated Karen Khachanov 6-4, 7-5 on Wednesday to reach the Madrid Open semi-finals. The top seed, who turns 20 on Friday, fought his way back from 4-1 and 5-2 down in the second set to triumph in one hour 52 minutes. Alcaraz blew away Alexander Zverev on Tuesday in a repeat of last year's final in the Spanish capital, but Khachanov put up stiffer opposition. "Winning this match will give me a lot of confidence, Karen was at a great level and took me to the limit," said Alcaraz who unleashed 31 winners. "It was decided by small details and I am very, very happy to be able to get through this round." The Russian, who knocked out compatriot Andrey Rublev this week and also reached the Australian Open semi-finals, showed no fear in the first set despite his opponent's form. Eventually Alcaraz found a decisive break to take a 4-3 lead with a strong forehand which Khachanov could not return successfully. The Spaniard consolidated and served it out. ALSO READ | IPL 2023: Skipper Hardik Pandya opens up on GT's shocking loss vs DC, says 'it boils down to me' In the second set Khachanov broke for a 3-1 lead when Alcaraz went long after saving a first break point. The world number 12 forced two more in the sixth game but could not convert either as Alcaraz fought hard to hold. Alcaraz's perseverence paid off as he broke with a volley to get back on serve at 4-5. The US Open champion consolidated his break and then earned another when Khachanov hit the net with an attempted forehand winner. Aiming for his 10th tour level title the crowd-pleasing home favourite sealed his progress with a powerful forehand drive. Alcaraz will face Daniel Altmaier or Borna Coric in Friday's semi-finals. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Madrid Open: Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz defeats Karen Khachanov to reach semis

World number three Daniil Medvedev crashed out of the Madrid Open in the fourth round against Russian compatriot Aslan Karatsev, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 on Tuesday.

The second seed in the Spanish capital has admitted he struggles on clay and fell to another defeat against Karatsev on the dirt, as he did in Rome two seasons ago.

After going nearly three hours on Monday in a three-set win over another Russian, Alexander Shevchenko, Medvedev secured an early break but Karatsev immediately struck back for 2-2.

They stayed on serve and Karatsev triumphed comfortably in the tie-break, his ball striking immaculate throughout the clash.

Medvedev complained fruitlessly about the shadows in the Arantxa Sanchez stadium, the second court in Madrid.

Ranked 121st in the world, qualifier Karatsev broke the 2021 US Open winner for 3-2 in the second set and only dropped two points on his serve after that to triumph.

"Feeling great, playing well, I just have to focus every match. I'll be preparing for the next round," said Karatsev.

"You just concentrate more (against the best players), you have to be 100 percent because they don't give you any free points, you have to concentrate, be mentally tough."

Earlier Karen Khachanov knocked out Andrey Rublev 7-6 (10/8), 6-4 in another all-Russian battle, and will face home favourite Carlos Alcaraz or Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-commentators-argue-whether-kl-rahul-should-have-used-stretcher-after-injury-vs-rcb-588081">IPL 2023: Commentators argue whether KL Rahul should have used stretcher after injury vs RCB</a>

World number two Aryna Sabalenka was forced to sweat by Mayar Sherif but eventually came through 2-6, 6-2, 6-1 to reach the Madrid Open semi-finals Tuesday.

Australian Open champion Sabalenka struggled badly at first but turned the two-hour match around convincingly to reach the semi-finals.

"I was just trying to keep fighting to keep playing my game and find my rhythm," said Sabalenka.

"She's a clay court specialist and I'm very happy with this win. It was a very tough one."

Sherif, the first Egyptian to reach a WTA 1000 quarter-final, capitalised on Sabalenka's erratic start to break in the first game.

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World number three Daniil Medvedev crashed out of the Madrid Open in the fourth round against Russian compatriot Aslan Karatsev, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 on Tuesday. The second seed in the Spanish capital has admitted he struggles on clay and fell to another defeat against Karatsev on the dirt, as he did in Rome two seasons ago.

World number three Daniil Medvedev crashed out of the Madrid Open in the fourth round against Russian compatriot Aslan Karatsev, 7-6 (7/1), 6-4 on Tuesday. The second seed in the Spanish capital has admitted he struggles on clay and fell to another defeat against Karatsev on the dirt, as he did in Rome two seasons ago. After going nearly three hours on Monday in a three-set win over another Russian, Alexander Shevchenko, Medvedev secured an early break but Karatsev immediately struck back for 2-2. They stayed on serve and Karatsev triumphed comfortably in the tie-break, his ball striking immaculate throughout the clash. Medvedev complained fruitlessly about the shadows in the Arantxa Sanchez stadium, the second court in Madrid. Ranked 121st in the world, qualifier Karatsev broke the 2021 US Open winner for 3-2 in the second set and only dropped two points on his serve after that to triumph. "Feeling great, playing well, I just have to focus every match. I'll be preparing for the next round," said Karatsev. "You just concentrate more (against the best players), you have to be 100 percent because they don't give you any free points, you have to concentrate, be mentally tough." Earlier Karen Khachanov knocked out Andrey Rublev 7-6 (10/8), 6-4 in another all-Russian battle, and will face home favourite Carlos Alcaraz or Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals. ALSO READ | IPL 2023: Commentators argue whether KL Rahul should have used stretcher after injury vs RCB World number two Aryna Sabalenka was forced to sweat by Mayar Sherif but eventually came through 2-6, 6-2, 6-1 to reach the Madrid Open semi-finals Tuesday. Australian Open champion Sabalenka struggled badly at first but turned the two-hour match around convincingly to reach the semi-finals. "I was just trying to keep fighting to keep playing my game and find my rhythm," said Sabalenka. "She's a clay court specialist and I'm very happy with this win. It was a very tough one." Sherif, the first Egyptian to reach a WTA 1000 quarter-final, capitalised on Sabalenka's erratic start to break in the first game. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Madrid Open: Medvedev tumbles out as Karatsev reaches Madrid Open quarters; Sabalenka survives Sherif scare

World number two and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday set up a Madrid Open last 16 duel with Alexander Zverev, the German rival who handed him a heartbreaking, reality-check defeat at Roland Garros last year.

Alcaraz defeated Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 6-2, 7-5 in the Madrid third round as he continues his bid to win a 10th tour title before his 20th birthday.

The Spanish crowd-pleaser was briefly troubled when 31-year-old Dimitrov broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set.

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However, that merely delayed the inevitable as Alcaraz wrapped up victory in 90 minutes, making just four unforced errors. It was his 25th win of 2023 against just two losses and a 15th victory on clay.

The 19-year-old swept past Zverev in the Madrid final in 2022 for the loss of just four games.

However, just weeks later, the German claimed a four-set victory in the French Open quarter-finals. That was Zverev's third win in the pair's four meetings.

"I really want to play that match. We played a few times, head-to-head he is up," said Alcaraz.

"I really want to show my great level here in front of my home crowd. I have great memories from last year in the final but obviously I have to be really focussed in that match.&nbsp;

He added: "I know that Sascha is a really good player, a really aggressive one with good serves. I have to show all my skills."

Two-time Madrid champion Zverev needed just 56 minutes earlier Sunday to dispose of France's Hugo Grenier 6-1, 6-0 on the back of six breaks of serve and 26 winners.

"With Carlos it will be a match-up people will look forward to," said 16th-ranked Zverev.

"We played in the final here last year, played a massive match at Roland Garros before I got injured (in the semi-final against Rafael Nadal)."

Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina toppled world number seven Holger Rune 7-6 (7/1), 5-7, 7-6 (7/5).

Rune, who turned 20 on Saturday, had saved a match point in the previous round against Alexander Bublik.

But it was Davidovich Fokina who came through the tight encounter to line up a clash with Borna Coric for a place in the last eight.

World number one Iga Swiatek claimed she had endured a "tricky" afternoon despite easing to a straight-sets win over American left-hander Bernarda Pera to reach the last 16 of the women's tournament in the Spanish capital.

Swiatek, warming up for the defence of her French Open title, claimed a 6-3, 6-2 win for a sixth consecutive victory on clay this season.

<h2>'Tricky'</h2>

"I wouldn't say it was easy. Every match is tricky here," Swiatek said after her 75-minute outing.

"I'm happy that I'm getting my rhythm. Playing against a lefty is never easy... but I'm pretty happy that I was disciplined and focused."

Swiatek next faces 16th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova who came from a set down to see off Zheng Qinwen of China.

Also progressing to the fourth round was world number three Jessica Pegula, who clinched a gruelling 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) victory over Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic.

Pegula, 29, made the final in Madrid in 2022 where she lost to Ons Jabeur. She will now tackle Italy's Martina Trevisan on Monday for a quarter-final spot.

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World number two and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday set up a Madrid Open last 16 duel with Alexander Zverev, the German rival who handed him a heartbreaking, reality-check defeat at Roland Garros last year.

World number two and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday set up a Madrid Open last 16 duel with Alexander Zverev, the German rival who handed him a heartbreaking, reality-check defeat at Roland Garros last year. Alcaraz defeated Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria 6-2, 7-5 in the Madrid third round as he continues his bid to win a 10th tour title before his 20th birthday. The Spanish crowd-pleaser was briefly troubled when 31-year-old Dimitrov broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set. Also Read: Ding Liren creates history, becomes first Chinese player to win World Chess Championship However, that merely delayed the inevitable as Alcaraz wrapped up victory in 90 minutes, making just four unforced errors. It was his 25th win of 2023 against just two losses and a 15th victory on clay. The 19-year-old swept past Zverev in the Madrid final in 2022 for the loss of just four games. However, just weeks later, the German claimed a four-set victory in the French Open quarter-finals. That was Zverev's third win in the pair's four meetings. "I really want to play that match. We played a few times, head-to-head he is up," said Alcaraz. "I really want to show my great level here in front of my home crowd. I have great memories from last year in the final but obviously I have to be really focussed in that match. He added: "I know that Sascha is a really good player, a really aggressive one with good serves. I have to show all my skills." Two-time Madrid champion Zverev needed just 56 minutes earlier Sunday to dispose of France's Hugo Grenier 6-1, 6-0 on the back of six breaks of serve and 26 winners. "With Carlos it will be a match-up people will look forward to," said 16th-ranked Zverev. "We played in the final here last year, played a massive match at Roland Garros before I got injured (in the semi-final against Rafael Nadal)." Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina toppled world number seven Holger Rune 7-6 (7/1), 5-7, 7-6 (7/5). Rune, who turned 20 on Saturday, had saved a match point in the previous round against Alexander Bublik. But it was Davidovich Fokina who came through the tight encounter to line up a clash with Borna Coric for a place in the last eight. World number one Iga Swiatek claimed she had endured a "tricky" afternoon despite easing to a straight-sets win over American left-hander Bernarda Pera to reach the last 16 of the women's tournament in the Spanish capital. Swiatek, warming up for the defence of her French Open title, claimed a 6-3, 6-2 win for a sixth consecutive victory on clay this season. 'Tricky' "I wouldn't say it was easy. Every match is tricky here," Swiatek said after her 75-minute outing. "I'm happy that I'm getting my rhythm. Playing against a lefty is never easy... but I'm pretty happy that I was disciplined and focused." Swiatek next faces 16th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova who came from a set down to see off Zheng Qinwen of China. Also progressing to the fourth round was world number three Jessica Pegula, who clinched a gruelling 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) victory over Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic. Pegula, 29, made the final in Madrid in 2022 where she lost to Ons Jabeur. She will now tackle Italy's Martina Trevisan on Monday for a quarter-final spot. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Alcaraz beats Dimitrov to set up last 16 duel with Alexander Zverev at Madrid Open

World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas landed 39 straight first serves en route to claiming a 3-6 6-1 7-6(5) comeback win over Dominic Thiem at the Madrid Open, with the Greek crediting his focus and relaxation for his near-perfect serving performance.

Tsitsipas looked in danger of falling in his first match of the tournament on Saturday, but he found a way back into it by dominating the second set and then clinching the tie-break in the decider. The 24-year-old ended with a first serve percentage of 79%, significantly higher than the 57% he managed in his straight sets defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in last week's Barcelona Open final.

"That's fantastic, 39 is a lot," Tsitsipas said of his streak. "That's a positive mark for me. I think I just owe it all to fluidity and just being relaxed on my serve... I think it's just pure relaxation and focus."

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Tsitsipas also praised former U.S. Open champion Thiem for turning the two-hour, 19-minute encounter into a physically demanding contest. "I'm in a way happy that we were able to show that kind of tennis... Today sort of showed what kind of intensity two guys that play single-hand backhands can bring to tennis," Tsitsipas said.

"I'm happy I got away with a win. Things weren't easy at the very end but I just kept fighting... The third set it was just pure fight. He's not someone that's going to give up and he hates even giving the slightest to you in terms of free points."

Tsitsipas will next meet Argentine Sebastian Baez, who beat American Marcos Giron 3-6 6-3 6-4.

World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas landed 39 straight first serves en route to claiming a 3-6 6-1 7-6(5) comeback win over Dominic Thiem at the Madrid Open, with the Greek crediting his focus and relaxation for his near-perfect serving performance.

World number five Stefanos Tsitsipas landed 39 straight first serves en route to claiming a 3-6 6-1 7-6(5) comeback win over Dominic Thiem at the Madrid Open, with the Greek crediting his focus and relaxation for his near-perfect serving performance. Tsitsipas looked in danger of falling in his first match of the tournament on Saturday, but he found a way back into it by dominating the second set and then clinching the tie-break in the decider. The 24-year-old ended with a first serve percentage of 79%, significantly higher than the 57% he managed in his straight sets defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in last week's Barcelona Open final. "That's fantastic, 39 is a lot," Tsitsipas said of his streak. "That's a positive mark for me. I think I just owe it all to fluidity and just being relaxed on my serve... I think it's just pure relaxation and focus." Also Read: Madrid Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz survives scare to beat Emil Ruusuvuori in three sets, enters third round Tsitsipas also praised former U.S. Open champion Thiem for turning the two-hour, 19-minute encounter into a physically demanding contest. "I'm in a way happy that we were able to show that kind of tennis... Today sort of showed what kind of intensity two guys that play single-hand backhands can bring to tennis," Tsitsipas said. "I'm happy I got away with a win. Things weren't easy at the very end but I just kept fighting... The third set it was just pure fight. He's not someone that's going to give up and he hates even giving the slightest to you in terms of free points." Tsitsipas will next meet Argentine Sebastian Baez, who beat American Marcos Giron 3-6 6-3 6-4.

Madrid Open: No. 5 ranked Tsitsipas says 'focus and relaxation' key to improved serve after win over Thiem

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz survived a major scare before beating Emil Ruusuvuori in three sets to reach the Madrid Open third round on Friday but admitted he "didn't know what to do" at key parts of the match. World number two and US Open champion Alcaraz fought back to see off the 41st-ranked Finn, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.

"It was really tough. I would say I was about to lose," said Alcaraz who famously defeated Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in Madrid last year. "It was complicated. There were moments that I didn't know what to do."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/madrid-open-2023-matteo-arnaldi-stuns-world-no-4-casper-ruud-to-reach-third-round-587114">Madrid Open 2023: Matteo Arnaldi stuns World No 4 Casper Ruud to reach third round</a>

Alcaraz, fresh from defending his Barcelona title last weekend, will face Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the last 16. The 19-year-old Alcaraz hit 10 aces in his 36 winners but was forced to save nine of 11 break points in the 2hr 16min clash. Five of those came when he was 3-2 down in the second set.

"It was just one point," added Alcaraz. "One of the break points he had at 2-3 in the second set was like a match point for him. &nbsp;"I was really happy I was able to save that game and come back a bit. It was really tough. Emil played unbelievably, but I am really, really happy to get through that."

In an indication of his frustration, Alcaraz speared his racquet into the court as he was staring down the barrel in the sixth game of the second set.

- Swiatek in control -

"I don't support that type of thing, the racquet came out and I regret it," he admitted. In sharp contrast, women's world number one Iga Swiatek cantered to a 6-3, 6-2 win over Austrian lucky loser Julia Grabher.

Swiatek didn't play Madrid last year but that didn't dent her clay court form as she went on to capture a second French Open later in the season. After winning the Stuttgart title last weekend, the Pole is riding a five-match winning streak on the surface.

Swiatek will next face American left-hander Bernarda Pera who was a 6-1, 6-3 winner over Germany's Tatjana Maria.

Pera is in the third round for the first time in five years.

World number seven Holger Rune saved a match point to defeat Alexander Bublik 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (11/9).

Last weekend's Munich champion and Monte Carlo Masters runner-up Rune saved the match point at 7/8 in the final set tie-break.

Matteo Arnaldi gained his first victory over a top-10 player as he upset third-seeded Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-4.

Arnaldi, a 22-year-old Italian ranked 105, who saved a match point against Benoit Paire in the first round, hit 35 winners on his way to a more comfortable victory over Ruud, who reached two Grand Slam finals last year.

"The ball bounces so high and I didn't like it at first. I struggled a bit," said Arnaldi.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz survived a major scare before beating Emil Ruusuvuori in three sets to reach the Madrid Open third round on Friday but admitted he "didn't know what to do" at key parts of the match.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz survived a major scare before beating Emil Ruusuvuori in three sets to reach the Madrid Open third round on Friday but admitted he "didn't know what to do" at key parts of the match. World number two and US Open champion Alcaraz fought back to see off the 41st-ranked Finn, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. "It was really tough. I would say I was about to lose," said Alcaraz who famously defeated Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in Madrid last year. "It was complicated. There were moments that I didn't know what to do." ALSO READ: Madrid Open 2023: Matteo Arnaldi stuns World No 4 Casper Ruud to reach third round Alcaraz, fresh from defending his Barcelona title last weekend, will face Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the last 16. The 19-year-old Alcaraz hit 10 aces in his 36 winners but was forced to save nine of 11 break points in the 2hr 16min clash. Five of those came when he was 3-2 down in the second set. "It was just one point," added Alcaraz. "One of the break points he had at 2-3 in the second set was like a match point for him. "I was really happy I was able to save that game and come back a bit. It was really tough. Emil played unbelievably, but I am really, really happy to get through that." In an indication of his frustration, Alcaraz speared his racquet into the court as he was staring down the barrel in the sixth game of the second set. - Swiatek in control - "I don't support that type of thing, the racquet came out and I regret it," he admitted. In sharp contrast, women's world number one Iga Swiatek cantered to a 6-3, 6-2 win over Austrian lucky loser Julia Grabher. Swiatek didn't play Madrid last year but that didn't dent her clay court form as she went on to capture a second French Open later in the season. After winning the Stuttgart title last weekend, the Pole is riding a five-match winning streak on the surface. Swiatek will next face American left-hander Bernarda Pera who was a 6-1, 6-3 winner over Germany's Tatjana Maria. Pera is in the third round for the first time in five years. World number seven Holger Rune saved a match point to defeat Alexander Bublik 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (11/9). Last weekend's Munich champion and Monte Carlo Masters runner-up Rune saved the match point at 7/8 in the final set tie-break. Matteo Arnaldi gained his first victory over a top-10 player as he upset third-seeded Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-4. Arnaldi, a 22-year-old Italian ranked 105, who saved a match point against Benoit Paire in the first round, hit 35 winners on his way to a more comfortable victory over Ruud, who reached two Grand Slam finals last year. "The ball bounces so high and I didn't like it at first. I struggled a bit," said Arnaldi.

Madrid Open 2023: Carlos Alcaraz survives scare to beat Emil Ruusuvuori in three sets, enters third round

Andy Murray said he hopes to play at Roland Garros for the first time since 2020 next month after crashing out in the first round of the&nbsp;Madrid&nbsp;Open&nbsp;on Thursday. The three-time Grand Slam champion has only played the French&nbsp;Open&nbsp;once since reaching the 2017 semi-finals, losing in the first round to Stan Wawrinka three years ago. But he said he could return to the Parisian clay, after losing 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) to Italian qualifier Andrea Vavassori in&nbsp;Madrid.

"I would like to play, just purely because I don't know if I'll get another opportunity to play again," Murray said on returning to the French&nbsp;Open, where he was runner-up in 2016. "Whilst I feel fit and healthy, I would like to give it a go. "I also have ambitions of competing for Wimbledon titles and that sort of stuff, and I know that sitting here today that probably doesn't sound realistic, but I do believe that that's a possibility. I obviously want to do the right thing there. "It's impossible to say what the right thing to do is, but obviously it's a Grand Slam. I would like the opportunity to play."

World number 164 Vavassori turfed out the former world number one in straight sets in the Spanish capital. Murray was also knocked out in the first round at the Monte Carlo Masters a fortnight ago, describing it as "demoralising" and "awful". "Second set started to get into it a bit more. Was playing I think a bit better, some positive signs," Murray said on Thursday. "Some of the errors are hard to explain."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-former-world-number-one-simona-halep-questions-long-delay-in-doping-hearing-586847">Tennis: Former world number one Simona Halep questions long delay in doping hearing</a>

Vavassori broke world number 52 Murray twice to take a 4-0 lead in the first set before serving out, with his opponent unable to force a single break point. The 27-year-old broke again for 2-1 in the second set but fired into the net to allow his opponent back in to level at 4-4, with Murray celebrating furiously. Vavassori committed a double fault at match point in the tie-break and then hit the net with another shot, before Murray saved a third match point on serve.

The Briton saved a fourth too, but the Italian clinched victory at the fifth time of asking when Murray erred badly at the net. It is the first time two-time winner Murray has fallen at the first hurdle in&nbsp;Madrid&nbsp;in 12 appearances. Earlier, Austria's Dominic Thiem beat Kyle Edmund 6-4, 6-1 to set up a second-round clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Andy Murray said he hopes to play at Roland Garros for the first time since 2020 next month after crashing out in the first round of the Madrid Open on Thursday.

Andy Murray said he hopes to play at Roland Garros for the first time since 2020 next month after crashing out in the first round of the Madrid Open on Thursday. The three-time Grand Slam champion has only played the French Open once since reaching the 2017 semi-finals, losing in the first round to Stan Wawrinka three years ago. But he said he could return to the Parisian clay, after losing 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) to Italian qualifier Andrea Vavassori in Madrid. "I would like to play, just purely because I don't know if I'll get another opportunity to play again," Murray said on returning to the French Open, where he was runner-up in 2016. "Whilst I feel fit and healthy, I would like to give it a go. "I also have ambitions of competing for Wimbledon titles and that sort of stuff, and I know that sitting here today that probably doesn't sound realistic, but I do believe that that's a possibility. I obviously want to do the right thing there. "It's impossible to say what the right thing to do is, but obviously it's a Grand Slam. I would like the opportunity to play." World number 164 Vavassori turfed out the former world number one in straight sets in the Spanish capital. Murray was also knocked out in the first round at the Monte Carlo Masters a fortnight ago, describing it as "demoralising" and "awful". "Second set started to get into it a bit more. Was playing I think a bit better, some positive signs," Murray said on Thursday. "Some of the errors are hard to explain." Also read: Tennis: Former world number one Simona Halep questions long delay in doping hearing Vavassori broke world number 52 Murray twice to take a 4-0 lead in the first set before serving out, with his opponent unable to force a single break point. The 27-year-old broke again for 2-1 in the second set but fired into the net to allow his opponent back in to level at 4-4, with Murray celebrating furiously. Vavassori committed a double fault at match point in the tie-break and then hit the net with another shot, before Murray saved a third match point on serve. The Briton saved a fourth too, but the Italian clinched victory at the fifth time of asking when Murray erred badly at the net. It is the first time two-time winner Murray has fallen at the first hurdle in Madrid in 12 appearances. Earlier, Austria's Dominic Thiem beat Kyle Edmund 6-4, 6-1 to set up a second-round clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray hopes to play French Open despite early Madrid exit

Matteo Arnaldi on Friday earned his first Top 10 win as he stunned World No. 4 Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-4 to reach the third round at the Madrid Open.

He struck 35 winners and hit with great depth to consistently push Ruud back and inflict a ninth defeat of the season on the Norwegian. "I don't know what to say. In Barcelona, I was playing very well. But coming here it is different. The ball bounces so high and I didn't like it at first. I struggled a bit. But today, I don't know, maybe the stadium, maybe the pressure on him, but I played the best match of my life," ATP.COM quoted Arnaldi as saying.

Following his third tour-level victory of the year, the 22-year-old, who participated in the 2017 Next Gen ATP Finals, has moved up nine ranks to No. 96 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings. After winning his second ATP Challenger Tour championship of the year in Spain earlier this month, Arnaldi rose to a career-high ranking of No. 102.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/none-have-spoken-up-vinesh-phogat-launches-scathing-attack-on-indian-cricketers-amid-wrestlers-vs-wfi-row-586924">'None have spoken up': Vinesh Phogat launches scathing attack on Indian cricketers amid wrestlers vs WFI row</a>

Arnaldi will look to continue his dream run against Jaume Munar. The Spaniard advanced after Tallon Griekspoor was forced to retire after Munar had clinched the first set 7-6(3).

In Estoril earlier this month, Ruud won his tenth tour-level championship, but he has had trouble regaining his best form for 2023. The 24-year-old lost in the second round of the Australian Open and hasn't made it past the third round in any of his four ATP Masters 1000 matches.

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Matteo Arnaldi on Friday earned his first Top 10 win as he stunned World No. 4 Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-4 to reach the third round at the Madrid Open. He struck 35 winners and hit with great depth to consistently push Ruud back and inflict a ninth defeat of the season on the Norwegian.

Matteo Arnaldi on Friday earned his first Top 10 win as he stunned World No. 4 Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-4 to reach the third round at the Madrid Open. He struck 35 winners and hit with great depth to consistently push Ruud back and inflict a ninth defeat of the season on the Norwegian. "I don't know what to say. In Barcelona, I was playing very well. But coming here it is different. The ball bounces so high and I didn't like it at first. I struggled a bit. But today, I don't know, maybe the stadium, maybe the pressure on him, but I played the best match of my life," ATP.COM quoted Arnaldi as saying. Following his third tour-level victory of the year, the 22-year-old, who participated in the 2017 Next Gen ATP Finals, has moved up nine ranks to No. 96 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings. After winning his second ATP Challenger Tour championship of the year in Spain earlier this month, Arnaldi rose to a career-high ranking of No. 102. ALSO READ | 'None have spoken up': Vinesh Phogat launches scathing attack on Indian cricketers amid wrestlers vs WFI row Arnaldi will look to continue his dream run against Jaume Munar. The Spaniard advanced after Tallon Griekspoor was forced to retire after Munar had clinched the first set 7-6(3). In Estoril earlier this month, Ruud won his tenth tour-level championship, but he has had trouble regaining his best form for 2023. The 24-year-old lost in the second round of the Australian Open and hasn't made it past the third round in any of his four ATP Masters 1000 matches. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Madrid Open 2023: Matteo Arnaldi stuns World No 4 Casper Ruud to reach third round

For all his success, Jon Rahm has yet to successfully defend a title on the PGA Tour but the Spaniard can change that at this week's Mexico Open where he will be a red-hot favourite in his second start since winning the Masters. World number one Rahm has already won four times on the PGA Tour this season and a win at Vidanta Vallarta this week would make him the first player to win five times in a season since Justin Thomas accomplished the feat in 2017.

"Obviously I would love for this to be something I'm doing in Spain right now this close to the Masters, but this is the next closest thing," Rahm told reporters on Wednesday. "The Mexican crowd, the Mexican people have all accepted me not as one of their own but like you just mentioned as an Hispanic playing&nbsp;golf&nbsp;as the champion at the Masters, they've taken me in very, very well."

Rahm has made six prior starts as the defending champion on the PGA Tour and his best result in those title defences came at La Quinta in 2019 when he finished in sixth place. At last year's Mexico Open, Rahm pulled out of a four-way tie during the final round with a 12-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole and held on for a one-shot victory over Tony Finau, Brandon Wu and Kurt Kitayama.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-number-one-iga-swiatek-calls-for-prize-money-equality-between-wta-and-atp-events-586476">World number one Iga Swiatek calls for prize money equality between WTA and ATP events</a>

"To be able to come here and go wire to wire, take the lead on Thursday and never give it up and never really be trailing from that point on was big," said Rahm. "To get it done in any Spanish-speaking country makes it a lot more special, there's always a little bit of extra pressure, extra motivation for me to want to win."

In 11 PGA Tour events this season, Rahm has four wins, seven top-10 finishes and zero missed cuts. Rahm has not had much downtime since the Masters as he teed it up the following week at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina where he finished in a share of 15th place but feels good about the state of his game nonetheless. "Playing Hilton Head helped getting in a competitive mode right afterwards. I think in a weird sense it did help, so I'm glad I went. It was a lot of fun, played good&nbsp;golf," said Rahm. "Feeling good with the game where it's at right now."

For all his success, Jon Rahm has yet to successfully defend a title on the PGA Tour but the Spaniard can change that at this week's Mexico Open where he will be a red-hot favourite in his second start since winning the Masters.

For all his success, Jon Rahm has yet to successfully defend a title on the PGA Tour but the Spaniard can change that at this week's Mexico Open where he will be a red-hot favourite in his second start since winning the Masters. World number one Rahm has already won four times on the PGA Tour this season and a win at Vidanta Vallarta this week would make him the first player to win five times in a season since Justin Thomas accomplished the feat in 2017. "Obviously I would love for this to be something I'm doing in Spain right now this close to the Masters, but this is the next closest thing," Rahm told reporters on Wednesday. "The Mexican crowd, the Mexican people have all accepted me not as one of their own but like you just mentioned as an Hispanic playing golf as the champion at the Masters, they've taken me in very, very well." Rahm has made six prior starts as the defending champion on the PGA Tour and his best result in those title defences came at La Quinta in 2019 when he finished in sixth place. At last year's Mexico Open, Rahm pulled out of a four-way tie during the final round with a 12-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole and held on for a one-shot victory over Tony Finau, Brandon Wu and Kurt Kitayama. Also Read: World number one Iga Swiatek calls for prize money equality between WTA and ATP events "To be able to come here and go wire to wire, take the lead on Thursday and never give it up and never really be trailing from that point on was big," said Rahm. "To get it done in any Spanish-speaking country makes it a lot more special, there's always a little bit of extra pressure, extra motivation for me to want to win." In 11 PGA Tour events this season, Rahm has four wins, seven top-10 finishes and zero missed cuts. Rahm has not had much downtime since the Masters as he teed it up the following week at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina where he finished in a share of 15th place but feels good about the state of his game nonetheless. "Playing Hilton Head helped getting in a competitive mode right afterwards. I think in a weird sense it did help, so I'm glad I went. It was a lot of fun, played good golf," said Rahm. "Feeling good with the game where it's at right now."

Golf: World number one Jon Rahm feeling right at home ahead of Mexico Open title defence

Former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu withdrew from the Madrid Open shortly before she was due on court to play Viktoriya Tomova in the first round on Wednesday. The 20-year-old British player cited an injury to her right hand as the reason for her withdrawal.

It is the latest setback for Raducanu who has struggled for form and fitness since her fairytale run to the title at Flushing Meadows in 2021 as an 18-year-old qualifier.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/madrid-open-defending-champion-ons-jabeur-pulls-out-with-calf-injury-586003">Madrid Open: Defending champion Ons Jabeur pulls out with calf injury</a>

She lost in the first round in Miami and Stuttgart and by missing Madrid she will likely fall outside the top 100 in the WTA rankings for the first time since her stunning breakthrough.

Former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu withdrew from the Madrid Open shortly before she was due on court to play Viktoriya Tomova in the first round on Wednesday.

Former U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu withdrew from the Madrid Open shortly before she was due on court to play Viktoriya Tomova in the first round on Wednesday. The 20-year-old British player cited an injury to her right hand as the reason for her withdrawal. It is the latest setback for Raducanu who has struggled for form and fitness since her fairytale run to the title at Flushing Meadows in 2021 as an 18-year-old qualifier. Also read: Madrid Open: Defending champion Ons Jabeur pulls out with calf injury She lost in the first round in Miami and Stuttgart and by missing Madrid she will likely fall outside the top 100 in the WTA rankings for the first time since her stunning breakthrough.

Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu withdraws from Madrid Open before first round

Defending champion Ons Jabeur said on Monday she had withdrawn from the Madrid Open with a calf injury after retiring from the Stuttgart Open at the weekend. The Tunisian world number four retired after three games against Iga Swiatek in the Stuttgart Open semi-final, where she was injured during the last point of the first game on Saturday.

"Further to many medical exams done, it shows that I have a small tear in my calf and I will need more time to recover," the 28-year-old Jabeur said on Instagram. "I'm sad to announce that I won't be able to compete and defend my title this year at the Madrid Open. I would like to wish everyone and the tournament a great event."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-pulls-out-of-madrid-open-shares-statement-on-injury-roland-garros-participation-doubtful-584376">Rafael Nadal pulls out of Madrid Open, shares statement on injury; Roland Garros participation doubtful</a>

Jabeur, who was on a seven-match winning run after recovering from injury and surgery earlier this year, was to face Romania's Ana Bogdan or Hungary's Anna Bondar in the second round of the clay tournament in Madrid.

The Madrid Open will be played from Tuesday through May 7.

Defending champion Ons Jabeur said on Monday she had withdrawn from the Madrid Open with a calf injury after retiring from the Stuttgart Open at the weekend. The Tunisian world number four retired after three games against Iga Swiatek in the Stuttgart Open semi-final, where she was injured during the last point of the first game on Saturday.

Defending champion Ons Jabeur said on Monday she had withdrawn from the Madrid Open with a calf injury after retiring from the Stuttgart Open at the weekend. The Tunisian world number four retired after three games against Iga Swiatek in the Stuttgart Open semi-final, where she was injured during the last point of the first game on Saturday. "Further to many medical exams done, it shows that I have a small tear in my calf and I will need more time to recover," the 28-year-old Jabeur said on Instagram. "I'm sad to announce that I won't be able to compete and defend my title this year at the Madrid Open. I would like to wish everyone and the tournament a great event." Also read: Rafael Nadal pulls out of Madrid Open, shares statement on injury; Roland Garros participation doubtful Jabeur, who was on a seven-match winning run after recovering from injury and surgery earlier this year, was to face Romania's Ana Bogdan or Hungary's Anna Bondar in the second round of the clay tournament in Madrid. The Madrid Open will be played from Tuesday through May 7.

Madrid Open: Defending champion Ons Jabeur pulls out with calf injury

Defeating Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic to winning US Open: Meet Carlos Alcaraz, the teenage sensation!

Rafa Nadal`s return to action after more than a month out due to injury saw him lose to teenager Carlos Alcaraz in the Madrid quarter-finals but the 21-times Grand Slam champion always knew it would take some time for his "old machine" to fire up.

The Spaniard, sidelined by a rib injury at Indian Wells in March, hopes to build momentum in Rome before launching his campaign for a 14th French Open crown.

The 35-year-old Australian Open champion has endured a string of injuries during a career spanning more than two decades and he said he needed time to get his body up to speed.

"When you`re six weeks without touching a racquet and having the chance to move your body ... my body is like an old machine. To put this machine on again it takes some time," Nadal told reporters before the Italian Open.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/beating-nadal-djokovic-to-winning-madrid-open-meet-carlos-alcaraz-the-new-teen-star-on-the-block-477787">Beating Nadal, Djokovic to winning Madrid Open: Meet Carlos Alcaraz, the new teen star on the block!</a>

"It`s not the same when you`re 19 than when you are almost 36, with all the issues I went through in my career. You need to build again the confidence, your movements, then you start feeling comfortable with your tennis.

"It`s more about being confident with my movements, recover the speed, recover the way that I have to play on clay and let`s see. I`m confident that I can play well. I need time, but maybe this week can be a positive week, maybe not. Who knows?"

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-and-other-tennis-greats-hail-carlos-alcaraz-after-his-memorbale-madrid-open-triumph-477846">Novak Djokovic and other tennis greats hail Carlos Alcaraz after his memorable Madrid Open triumph</a>

Nadal, a winner of three titles this year, lost to Novak Djokovic in the Roland Garros semi-finals last year, just the third time he was beaten at the claycourt major since his debut there in 2005.

The Spaniard said he was doing all he can to be fully ready for the tournament, which starts on May 22.

"That`s my goal ... I didn`t have another chance to approach this claycourt season with the things I went through," he said. "I`m going to give myself a chance and we`ll see what`s going on."

Rafa Nadal`s return to action after more than a month out due to injury saw him lose to teenager Carlos Alcaraz in the Madrid quarter-finals but the 21-times Grand Slam champion always knew it would take some time for his "old machine" to fire up.

Rafa Nadal`s return to action after more than a month out due to injury saw him lose to teenager Carlos Alcaraz in the Madrid quarter-finals but the 21-times Grand Slam champion always knew it would take some time for his "old machine" to fire up. The Spaniard, sidelined by a rib injury at Indian Wells in March, hopes to build momentum in Rome before launching his campaign for a 14th French Open crown. The 35-year-old Australian Open champion has endured a string of injuries during a career spanning more than two decades and he said he needed time to get his body up to speed. "When you`re six weeks without touching a racquet and having the chance to move your body ... my body is like an old machine. To put this machine on again it takes some time," Nadal told reporters before the Italian Open. Also Read: Beating Nadal, Djokovic to winning Madrid Open: Meet Carlos Alcaraz, the new teen star on the block! "It`s not the same when you`re 19 than when you are almost 36, with all the issues I went through in my career. You need to build again the confidence, your movements, then you start feeling comfortable with your tennis. "It`s more about being confident with my movements, recover the speed, recover the way that I have to play on clay and let`s see. I`m confident that I can play well. I need time, but maybe this week can be a positive week, maybe not. Who knows?" Also Read: Novak Djokovic and other tennis greats hail Carlos Alcaraz after his memorable Madrid Open triumph Nadal, a winner of three titles this year, lost to Novak Djokovic in the Roland Garros semi-finals last year, just the third time he was beaten at the claycourt major since his debut there in 2005. The Spaniard said he was doing all he can to be fully ready for the tournament, which starts on May 22. "That`s my goal ... I didn`t have another chance to approach this claycourt season with the things I went through," he said. "I`m going to give myself a chance and we`ll see what`s going on."

Rafael Nadal says his body is like an 'old machine' takes time to fire up

Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz has become the cynosure of all eyes after his stunning triumph at the Madrid Open 2022. The 19-year-old defeated Alexander Zverev in the men's singles final on Monday (May 09) to claim his second Masters 1000 victory in 2022. Alcaraz beat his idola Rafael Nadal and world no.1 Novak Djokovic on his way to his maiden title in Madrid.

Alcaraz has had a sensational rise over the last few months as he continues to prove why he can be the next big thing in tennis. The Spanish teenager downed Nadal in the quarterfinals at the Madrid Open in a thrilling three-setter before beating the mighty Djokovic in the semi-final to set up mouth-watering final cash against Zverev.

Alcaraz was a no match for Olympic gold medallist&nbsp;Zverev and beat 6-3, 6-1 to earn his maiden win over the German in three attempts. Alcaraz is already making waves with his skills and talent and was hailed by many, including Djokovic, who lauded him for his temperament in the win against&nbsp;him in the semi-finals. The Serbian ace said Alcaarz deserved to win the title as he has been the best player this year.

"He definitely is special. Already he's breaking a lot of records as a teenager, winning two Masters events this year, a couple of [ATP] 500s. So far he's the best player in the world, no question, this year. The way he was dealing with the pressure. I mean, in our match a few days ago, how calm he was all the way, was impressive. He deserved to win the trophy," said Djokovic.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/madrid-open-teen-sensation-carlos-alcaraz-beats-defending-champion-alexander-zverev-to-clinch-title-477551">Teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz beats defending champion Alexander Zverev to clinch Madrid Open title</a>

Winning against Nadal and Djokovic in the same tournament is crazy: Iga Swiatek

Alcaraz is the first player in the world to have defeated both Nadal and Djokovic in the same clay tournament. Reacting to his stunning feat, Iga Swiatek, the world no.1 women's tennis player heaped praise on the Spaniard. Swiatek said beating both Nadal and Djokovic in the same tournament is 'crazy'.

"I honestly didn't watch any matches, but I want to watch highlights for sure. I'm going to do that. I didn't have time because, like, last couple of days have been really busy for me in terms of practicing. I'm going to do that for sure because what he's doing is amazing. Yeah, wow, like winning against Rafa and Novak on the same tournament, just crazy," Swiatek said in a presser on Tuesday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/beating-nadal-djokovic-to-winning-madrid-open-meet-carlos-alcaraz-the-new-teen-star-on-the-block-477787">Beating Nadal, Djokovic to winning Madrid Open: Meet Carlos Alcaraz, the new teen star on the block!</a>

Here's how the tennis fraternity reacted to Carlos Alcaraz's Madrid Open win:

Several former and current tennis players took to social media to congratulate Alcaraz and react to his meteoric rise in the circuit. Four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters compared Alcaraz's arrival to that of a young Nadal in 2005.&nbsp;

"So exciting to see another Spanish teenager work his way up in our sport. Takes me back to 04/05 when Rafa started his journey. So happy for Juan Carlos Ferrer. Congrats Carlos Alcaraz," she wrote in a tweet. Others too took to Twitter to hail the Spaniard.

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So exciting to see another Spanish teenager work his way up in our sport. Takes me back to 04/05 when Rafa started his journey . So happy for <a href="https://twitter.com/juankiferri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@juankiferri</a> , congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/alcarazcarlos03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alcarazcarlos03</a> !
— Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) <a href="https://twitter.com/Clijsterskim/status/1523003085110804486?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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How much fun is it watching <a href="https://twitter.com/alcarazcarlos03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@alcarazcarlos03</a> play! Vamos Charlie!!
— Sebastian Korda (@SebiKorda) <a href="https://twitter.com/SebiKorda/status/1523003730148220928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Fearless <a href="https://t.co/tfIfEDv1Kr">https://t.co/tfIfEDv1Kr</a>
— Laura Robson (@laurarobson5) <a href="https://twitter.com/laurarobson5/status/1523001000247930882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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How long before he is number 1? <a href="https://t.co/i2c18sybRU">https://t.co/i2c18sybRU</a>
— Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) <a href="https://twitter.com/GregRusedski1/status/1523361453691916290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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With his Madrid Open victory, Alcaraz climbed to the sixth spot on the ATP men's singles rankings on Monday. He has now clinched four titles already this year and will be hoping to continue his stellar run on the court in the upcoming tournaments.

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Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz has become the cynosure of all eyes after his stunning triumph at the Madrid Open 2022. The 19-year-old defeated Alexander Zverev in the men's singles final on Monday (May 09) to claim his second Masters 1000 victory in 2022.

Spanish teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz has become the cynosure of all eyes after his stunning triumph at the Madrid Open 2022. The 19-year-old defeated Alexander Zverev in the men's singles final on Monday (May 09) to claim his second Masters 1000 victory in 2022. Alcaraz beat his idola Rafael Nadal and world no.1 Novak Djokovic on his way to his maiden title in Madrid. Alcaraz has had a sensational rise over the last few months as he continues to prove why he can be the next big thing in tennis. The Spanish teenager downed Nadal in the quarterfinals at the Madrid Open in a thrilling three-setter before beating the mighty Djokovic in the semi-final to set up mouth-watering final cash against Zverev. Alcaraz was a no match for Olympic gold medallist Zverev and beat 6-3, 6-1 to earn his maiden win over the German in three attempts. Alcaraz is already making waves with his skills and talent and was hailed by many, including Djokovic, who lauded him for his temperament in the win against him in the semi-finals. The Serbian ace said Alcaarz deserved to win the title as he has been the best player this year. "He definitely is special. Already he's breaking a lot of records as a teenager, winning two Masters events this year, a couple of [ATP] 500s. So far he's the best player in the world, no question, this year. The way he was dealing with the pressure. I mean, in our match a few days ago, how calm he was all the way, was impressive. He deserved to win the trophy," said Djokovic. Also Read: Teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz beats defending champion Alexander Zverev to clinch Madrid Open title Winning against Nadal and Djokovic in the same tournament is crazy: Iga Swiatek Alcaraz is the first player in the world to have defeated both Nadal and Djokovic in the same clay tournament. Reacting to his stunning feat, Iga Swiatek, the world no.1 women's tennis player heaped praise on the Spaniard. Swiatek said beating both Nadal and Djokovic in the same tournament is 'crazy'. "I honestly didn't watch any matches, but I want to watch highlights for sure. I'm going to do that. I didn't have time because, like, last couple of days have been really busy for me in terms of practicing. I'm going to do that for sure because what he's doing is amazing. Yeah, wow, like winning against Rafa and Novak on the same tournament, just crazy," Swiatek said in a presser on Tuesday. Also Read: Beating Nadal, Djokovic to winning Madrid Open: Meet Carlos Alcaraz, the new teen star on the block! Here's how the tennis fraternity reacted to Carlos Alcaraz's Madrid Open win: Several former and current tennis players took to social media to congratulate Alcaraz and react to his meteoric rise in the circuit. Four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters compared Alcaraz's arrival to that of a young Nadal in 2005. "So exciting to see another Spanish teenager work his way up in our sport. Takes me back to 04/05 when Rafa started his journey. So happy for Juan Carlos Ferrer. Congrats Carlos Alcaraz," she wrote in a tweet. Others too took to Twitter to hail the Spaniard. So exciting to see another Spanish teenager work his way up in our sport. Takes me back to 04/05 when Rafa started his journey . So happy for @juankiferri , congrats @alcarazcarlos03 ! — Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) May 7, 2022 × How much fun is it watching @alcarazcarlos03 play! Vamos Charlie!! — Sebastian Korda (@SebiKorda) May 7, 2022 × Fearless https://t.co/tfIfEDv1Kr — Laura Robson (@laurarobson5) May 7, 2022 × How long before he is number 1? https://t.co/i2c18sybRU — Greg Rusedski (@GregRusedski1) May 8, 2022 × With his Madrid Open victory, Alcaraz climbed to the sixth spot on the ATP men's singles rankings on Monday. He has now clinched four titles already this year and will be hoping to continue his stellar run on the court in the upcoming tournaments.

Novak Djokovic and other tennis greats hail Carlos Alcaraz after his memorable Madrid Open triumph

Newly-crowned Madrid Open champion Carlos Alcaraz said on Sunday he has decided to skip the Rome Masters in a bid to recover from an ankle injury ahead of the French Open later this month. Alcaraz, who rolled his ankle in the quarter-finals in Madrid, overcame pain to beat three top five players -- Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev -- to win his second Masters title days after his 19th birthday.

"Due to the fall that I had, the ankle, I had a problem and this morning it was a little more swollen. Also I had a blister in my feet which was a little bit infected and it`s been a little bit tough start to the day," Alcaraz told reporters.

"It was difficult for me to walk but after a while with my team, with the physio, with the doctor, we have managed to fix it to do something to be able to be 100% today. "I thought about it (playing in Rome). I think that given the state of my feet and my ankle, I`m really excited for fighting for a Grand Slam. I think that it`s better to rest, to recover my ankle, recover my feet, to be in Paris at 100%."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/madrid-open-teen-sensation-carlos-alcaraz-beats-defending-champion-alexander-zverev-to-clinch-title-477551">Madrid Open: Teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz beats defending champion Alexander Zverev to clinch title</a>

Alcaraz beat Zverev 6-3 6-1 in just 62 minutes in the final and his fourth singles title of the year will move him up to sixth in the rankings. Zverev said the young Spaniard is now the "best player in the world" but Alcaraz is not getting ahead of himself.

"Djokovic is number one in the ranking. Because I have won Barcelona and I have beaten Djokovic and Rafa in Madrid, I don`t consider myself the best player in the world," he said. "I also think that tomorrow I`m going to be sixth, so I still have five players in front of me to be the best one."

Newly-crowned Madrid Open champion Carlos Alcaraz said on Sunday he has decided to skip the Rome Masters in a bid to recover from an ankle injury ahead of the French Open later this month.

Newly-crowned Madrid Open champion Carlos Alcaraz said on Sunday he has decided to skip the Rome Masters in a bid to recover from an ankle injury ahead of the French Open later this month. Alcaraz, who rolled his ankle in the quarter-finals in Madrid, overcame pain to beat three top five players -- Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev -- to win his second Masters title days after his 19th birthday. "Due to the fall that I had, the ankle, I had a problem and this morning it was a little more swollen. Also I had a blister in my feet which was a little bit infected and it`s been a little bit tough start to the day," Alcaraz told reporters. "It was difficult for me to walk but after a while with my team, with the physio, with the doctor, we have managed to fix it to do something to be able to be 100% today. "I thought about it (playing in Rome). I think that given the state of my feet and my ankle, I`m really excited for fighting for a Grand Slam. I think that it`s better to rest, to recover my ankle, recover my feet, to be in Paris at 100%." ALSO READ | Madrid Open: Teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz beats defending champion Alexander Zverev to clinch title Alcaraz beat Zverev 6-3 6-1 in just 62 minutes in the final and his fourth singles title of the year will move him up to sixth in the rankings. Zverev said the young Spaniard is now the "best player in the world" but Alcaraz is not getting ahead of himself. "Djokovic is number one in the ranking. Because I have won Barcelona and I have beaten Djokovic and Rafa in Madrid, I don`t consider myself the best player in the world," he said. "I also think that tomorrow I`m going to be sixth, so I still have five players in front of me to be the best one."

Madrid Open winner Carlos Alcaraz to miss Rome Masters due to ankle injury

Carlos Alcaraz beat defending champion Alexander Zverev 6-3 6-1 to win his maiden Madrid Open title on Sunday. This was the first win for the 19-year-old Spaniard over Alexander Zverev in three attempts, and he has now won 10 consecutive matches.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-hails-carlos-alcaraz-after-madrid-open-defeat-says-he-deserved-to-win-477353">Novak Djokovic hails Carlos Alcaraz after Madrid Open defeat, says he deserved to win</a>

With this win, Alcaraz registered his second Masters 1000 victory of the year after Miami and his fourth title of the year overall. The Olympic gold medallist Zverev looked a pale shadow of his self against a player who had beaten 21-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal in the quarter-final and defeated World No.1 Novak Djokovic in a hard-fought semi-final. With this win, Alcaraz will climb to the number six spot in the ATP men`s singles ranking on Monday.&nbsp;

Carlos Alcaraz beat defending champion Alexander Zverev 6-3 6-1 to win his maiden Madrid Open title on Sunday. This was the first win for the 19-year-old Spaniard over Alexander Zverev in three attempts, and he has now won 10 consecutive matches.

Carlos Alcaraz beat defending champion Alexander Zverev 6-3 6-1 to win his maiden Madrid Open title on Sunday. This was the first win for the 19-year-old Spaniard over Alexander Zverev in three attempts, and he has now won 10 consecutive matches. ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic hails Carlos Alcaraz after Madrid Open defeat, says he deserved to win With this win, Alcaraz registered his second Masters 1000 victory of the year after Miami and his fourth title of the year overall. The Olympic gold medallist Zverev looked a pale shadow of his self against a player who had beaten 21-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal in the quarter-final and defeated World No.1 Novak Djokovic in a hard-fought semi-final. With this win, Alcaraz will climb to the number six spot in the ATP men`s singles ranking on Monday.

Madrid Open: Teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz beats defending champion Alexander Zverev to clinch title

World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic was in praise of Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz who upset the Serbian to set up a title clash against Germany`s Alexander Zverev in the Madrid Open. 
 
The 34-year-old Serbian was aiming to reach a record-extending 55th ATP Masters 1000 final, but was unable to overcome the 19-year-old Alcaraz, who will try and win his second Masters 1000 crown on Sunday against the world No. 3 Zverev. 
 
Alcaraz won the three-setter 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5). 
 
"Congrats to him. He held his nerve very well," Djokovic was quoted as saying by atptour.com. "For somebody of his age to play so maturely and courageously is impressive. He deserved to win. His kick in altitude here is huge, and it was just difficult to deal with his ball, and I wasn`t feeling my return from that side. He was serving a lot of kick just to put himself in a good position."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/carlos-alcaraz-beats-world-no1-novak-djokovic-to-reach-madrid-open-final-477301">Carlos Alcaraz beats world no.1 Novak Djokovic to reach Madrid Open final</a>

Despite the loss, Djokovic enjoyed a strong week in Madrid, earning straight-set wins against Frenchman Gael Monfils and Poland`s Hubert Hurkacz as he continued to build momentum following his run to the final in Belgrade last month. 
 
The 34-year-old, a three-time champion in Madrid, felt that his performance against Alcaraz was the best he has produced this season. 
 
"I definitely played very good tennis, I mean, the best that I have played this year," Djokovic said. "Probably when the disappointment of losing this match passes, I will have a lot of positives to take away from this week." 
 
Djokovic will now turn his attention to the Italian Open, which begins in Rome on Monday, where he will compete as the top seed at the final clay-court Masters 1000 of the season.

World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic was in praise of Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz who upset the Serbian to set up a title clash against Germany`s Alexander Zverev in the Madrid Open.

World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic was in praise of Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz who upset the Serbian to set up a title clash against Germany`s Alexander Zverev in the Madrid Open. The 34-year-old Serbian was aiming to reach a record-extending 55th ATP Masters 1000 final, but was unable to overcome the 19-year-old Alcaraz, who will try and win his second Masters 1000 crown on Sunday against the world No. 3 Zverev. Alcaraz won the three-setter 6-7(5), 7-5, 7-6(5). "Congrats to him. He held his nerve very well," Djokovic was quoted as saying by atptour.com. "For somebody of his age to play so maturely and courageously is impressive. He deserved to win. His kick in altitude here is huge, and it was just difficult to deal with his ball, and I wasn`t feeling my return from that side. He was serving a lot of kick just to put himself in a good position." Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz beats world no.1 Novak Djokovic to reach Madrid Open final Despite the loss, Djokovic enjoyed a strong week in Madrid, earning straight-set wins against Frenchman Gael Monfils and Poland`s Hubert Hurkacz as he continued to build momentum following his run to the final in Belgrade last month. The 34-year-old, a three-time champion in Madrid, felt that his performance against Alcaraz was the best he has produced this season. "I definitely played very good tennis, I mean, the best that I have played this year," Djokovic said. "Probably when the disappointment of losing this match passes, I will have a lot of positives to take away from this week." Djokovic will now turn his attention to the Italian Open, which begins in Rome on Monday, where he will compete as the top seed at the final clay-court Masters 1000 of the season.

Novak Djokovic hails Carlos Alcaraz after Madrid Open defeat, says he deserved to win

Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz came from behind to beat world number one Novak Djokovic 6-7(5) 7-5 7-6(5) to reach the Madrid Open final, where on Sunday he will face Alexander Zverev after the German defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 3-6 6-2.

Djokovic, who has yet to win a title this season, rallied from a break down to take the opening set in a tie-breaker and the 34-year-old looked dangerous on his serve as he won 21 straight points on it in the opener.

But Alcaraz, who turned 19 this week, showed resilience in the second set as he clawed his way back into the contest, saving a break point and holding for 6-5 before breaking Djokovic to force a decider.

The crowd in the Spanish capital got to their feet when Alcaraz completed his comeback, edging out Djokovic in the deciding tiebreak to become the first player to beat Rafa Nadal and Djokovic at the same clay court event.

"This gives me a lot of confidence to play the final tomorrow," said Alcaraz after the match which lasted three hours and 35 minutes.

"I know that I played a really good game, and for the rest of the season I think I am able to play against the best players in the world and beat them as well, so it gives me a lot of confidence."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-2022-iga-swiatek-top-seed-bianca-andreescu-to-face-emma-raducanu-in-round1-477147">Italian Open 2022 -&nbsp;Iga Swiatek top seed, Bianca Andreescu to face Emma Raducanu in Round1</a>

Alcaraz showed his all-round ability throughout in his first meeting with Djokovic, pinning the Serbian back with his huge groundstrokes and using his trademark drop shots.

He struck 51 winners to Djokovic`s 24 as his aggressive style troubled the world number one. Bidding for his second Masters 1000 title, Alcaraz will play defending champion Zverev in Sunday`s final.

Zverev`s dominant serving proved too much for Tsitsipas to handle and he crushed a backhand winner on match point to seal his first career win over Tsitsipas on a clay court. Zverev said he was as impressed as anyone with Alcaraz`s ascent to world number nine.

"I said last year in Acapulco that by Acapulco 2023, he`d be in the top 10," Zverev said.

"He beat me by a year! He`s an incredible player ... there`s no limit for him."

Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz came from behind to beat world number one Novak Djokovic 6-7(5) 7-5 7-6(5) to reach the Madrid Open final, where on Sunday he will face Alexander Zverev after the German defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 3-6 6-2.

Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz came from behind to beat world number one Novak Djokovic 6-7(5) 7-5 7-6(5) to reach the Madrid Open final, where on Sunday he will face Alexander Zverev after the German defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 3-6 6-2. Djokovic, who has yet to win a title this season, rallied from a break down to take the opening set in a tie-breaker and the 34-year-old looked dangerous on his serve as he won 21 straight points on it in the opener. But Alcaraz, who turned 19 this week, showed resilience in the second set as he clawed his way back into the contest, saving a break point and holding for 6-5 before breaking Djokovic to force a decider. The crowd in the Spanish capital got to their feet when Alcaraz completed his comeback, edging out Djokovic in the deciding tiebreak to become the first player to beat Rafa Nadal and Djokovic at the same clay court event. "This gives me a lot of confidence to play the final tomorrow," said Alcaraz after the match which lasted three hours and 35 minutes. "I know that I played a really good game, and for the rest of the season I think I am able to play against the best players in the world and beat them as well, so it gives me a lot of confidence." Also Read: Italian Open 2022 - Iga Swiatek top seed, Bianca Andreescu to face Emma Raducanu in Round1 Alcaraz showed his all-round ability throughout in his first meeting with Djokovic, pinning the Serbian back with his huge groundstrokes and using his trademark drop shots. He struck 51 winners to Djokovic`s 24 as his aggressive style troubled the world number one. Bidding for his second Masters 1000 title, Alcaraz will play defending champion Zverev in Sunday`s final. Zverev`s dominant serving proved too much for Tsitsipas to handle and he crushed a backhand winner on match point to seal his first career win over Tsitsipas on a clay court. Zverev said he was as impressed as anyone with Alcaraz`s ascent to world number nine. "I said last year in Acapulco that by Acapulco 2023, he`d be in the top 10," Zverev said. "He beat me by a year! He`s an incredible player ... there`s no limit for him."

Carlos Alcaraz beats world no.1 Novak Djokovic to reach Madrid Open final

Teenager Carlos Alcaraz prevailed 6-2 1-6 6-3 over Rafa Nadal in a Spanish clash of the generations at the Madrid Open on Friday, claiming his first victory over his idol and setting up a semi-final showdown with world number one Novak Djokovic.

In a topsy-turvy contest at the Manolo Santana Stadium, Alcaraz weathered an ankle injury to produce a statement performance to become the first Spanish player to beat Nadal since Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open.

"It means a lot to me. All the hard work I put in every day has paid off. To beat Rafa - the best player in history on clay - it means a lot," Alcaraz said.

Alcaraz endured a straight-sets loss to Nadal in Madrid a year ago on his 18th birthday, winning only three games as a 120th-ranked wildcard. The pair met again in March in the Indian Wells semi-finals where the older Spaniard won in three sets but not before Alcaraz underlined his huge potential. A day after turning 19, he finally exacted revenge on his 35-year-old compatriot.

Alcaraz dominated in the opening set and dictated the points but twisted his ankle in the second when trying to reach for a game-winning forehand. Nadal took advantage of the stumble to cruise past the younger Spaniard after play was briefly suspended when a spectator was taken unwell.

Nadal looked set to carry the momentum into the decider but Alcaraz rediscovered his form and held his nerve to see off the challenge from the 21-times Grand Slam champion.

"The fall in the second set affected me a lot," Alcaraz added. "When I lost the second (set), I went to the bathroom and thought I was able to come back to do my best and try everything.

"I wanted to fight until the last ball and that was the key."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-no-1-novak-djokovic-beats-hubert-hurkacz-to-reach-semi-finals-in-madrid-476958">World No. 1 Novak Djokovic beats Hubert Hurkacz to reach semi-finals in Madrid</a>

Alcaraz will face Djokovic, who eased 6-3 6-4 past Hubert Hurkacz earlier, for a place in the final and joked that he would turn to Argentine David Nalbandian for advice on how to topple the Serb.

At the 2007 tournament, an unseeded Nalbandian overcame overwhelming odds and achieved the rare feat of beating the Big Three of Nadal, Djokovic and Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, respectively. 
"I will text Nalbandian on how he did it," Alcaraz said. "I`m focusing on tomorrow... I will fight and let`s see what happens."

Bidding for his fourth title in the Spanish capital, Djokovic looked much more like his usual self against Hurkacz as he continued to work his way back towards top form ahead of the French Open, which begins later this month.

The 34-year-old was given a walkover into the quarter-finals when opponent Andy Murray withdrew from their highly anticipated clash due to illness and the top-seeded Serb got straight down to business against Hurkacz.

Djokovic triumphed after an hour and 20 minutes and sent down 16 winners while he did not face a break point from Hurkacz, and extended his perfect record against the Pole to 4-0.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/six-players-receive-lengthy-bans-after-spanish-courts-find-them-guilty-of-match-fixing-476921">Six players receive lengthy bans after Spanish courts find them guilty of match-fixing</a>

Greek fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas outlasted sixth seed Andrey Rublev 6-3 2-6 6-4 to seal his spot in the semi-finals, where he will face either defending champion Alexander Zverev or Felix Auger-Aliassime.

"It wasn`t easy playing him, it was tough to predict what`s coming next from him," Tsitsipas, who won the Monte Carlo Masters last month, said.

The win was also Tsitsipas` 27th of the season -- more than any other player on the ATP Tour -- as he improved his claycourt record in 2022 to 10-1.

Teenager Carlos Alcaraz prevailed 6-2 1-6 6-3 over Rafa Nadal in a Spanish clash of the generations at the Madrid Open on Friday, claiming his first victory over his idol and setting up a semi-final showdown with world number one Novak Djokovic.

Teenager Carlos Alcaraz prevailed 6-2 1-6 6-3 over Rafa Nadal in a Spanish clash of the generations at the Madrid Open on Friday, claiming his first victory over his idol and setting up a semi-final showdown with world number one Novak Djokovic. In a topsy-turvy contest at the Manolo Santana Stadium, Alcaraz weathered an ankle injury to produce a statement performance to become the first Spanish player to beat Nadal since Fernando Verdasco at the 2016 Australian Open. "It means a lot to me. All the hard work I put in every day has paid off. To beat Rafa - the best player in history on clay - it means a lot," Alcaraz said. Alcaraz endured a straight-sets loss to Nadal in Madrid a year ago on his 18th birthday, winning only three games as a 120th-ranked wildcard. The pair met again in March in the Indian Wells semi-finals where the older Spaniard won in three sets but not before Alcaraz underlined his huge potential. A day after turning 19, he finally exacted revenge on his 35-year-old compatriot. Alcaraz dominated in the opening set and dictated the points but twisted his ankle in the second when trying to reach for a game-winning forehand. Nadal took advantage of the stumble to cruise past the younger Spaniard after play was briefly suspended when a spectator was taken unwell. Nadal looked set to carry the momentum into the decider but Alcaraz rediscovered his form and held his nerve to see off the challenge from the 21-times Grand Slam champion. "The fall in the second set affected me a lot," Alcaraz added. "When I lost the second (set), I went to the bathroom and thought I was able to come back to do my best and try everything. "I wanted to fight until the last ball and that was the key." Also Read: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic beats Hubert Hurkacz to reach semi-finals in Madrid Alcaraz will face Djokovic, who eased 6-3 6-4 past Hubert Hurkacz earlier, for a place in the final and joked that he would turn to Argentine David Nalbandian for advice on how to topple the Serb. At the 2007 tournament, an unseeded Nalbandian overcame overwhelming odds and achieved the rare feat of beating the Big Three of Nadal, Djokovic and Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final, respectively. "I will text Nalbandian on how he did it," Alcaraz said. "I`m focusing on tomorrow... I will fight and let`s see what happens." Bidding for his fourth title in the Spanish capital, Djokovic looked much more like his usual self against Hurkacz as he continued to work his way back towards top form ahead of the French Open, which begins later this month. The 34-year-old was given a walkover into the quarter-finals when opponent Andy Murray withdrew from their highly anticipated clash due to illness and the top-seeded Serb got straight down to business against Hurkacz. Djokovic triumphed after an hour and 20 minutes and sent down 16 winners while he did not face a break point from Hurkacz, and extended his perfect record against the Pole to 4-0. Also Read: Six players receive lengthy bans after Spanish courts find them guilty of match-fixing Greek fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas outlasted sixth seed Andrey Rublev 6-3 2-6 6-4 to seal his spot in the semi-finals, where he will face either defending champion Alexander Zverev or Felix Auger-Aliassime. "It wasn`t easy playing him, it was tough to predict what`s coming next from him," Tsitsipas, who won the Monte Carlo Masters last month, said. The win was also Tsitsipas` 27th of the season -- more than any other player on the ATP Tour -- as he improved his claycourt record in 2022 to 10-1.

Carlos Alcaraz upsets idol Rafael Nadal to set up semi-final date with Novak Djokovic in Madrid Open

World number one Novak Djokovic eased past Hubert Hurkacz with a routine 6-3 6-4 victory on Friday to advance to the Madrid Open semi-finals, as he bids for a fourth title in the Spanish capital. Djokovic looked much more like his usual self at the Manolo Santana Stadium on a sunny day in Madrid as he continued to work his way back towards top form ahead of the French Open, which begins later this month.

The 34-year-old was given a walkover into the quarter-finals when opponent Andy Murray withdrew from their highly anticipated clash due to illness and the top-seeded Serb got straight down to business against Hurkacz.

Having raced to a 3-0 lead in the first set, Djokovic closed it out in 36 minutes and maintained the pressure in the second. He got the crucial break at 3-2 and triumphed after an hour and 20 minutes. 
Djokovic sent down 16 winners while he did not face a break point from Hurkacz, and extended his perfect record against the Pole to 4-0.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/six-players-receive-lengthy-bans-after-spanish-courts-find-them-guilty-of-match-fixing-476921">&nbsp;Six players receive lengthy bans after Spanish courts find them guilty of match-fixing</a>

"The first set I think we both didn`t play so great, took us both time to adapt to conditions," Djokovic said. "Second set, I think better quality tennis. I was serving really well. I am pleased with the way I was constructing the point." Djokovic will face the winner of the match between world number four Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, which takes place later on Friday, for a place in the final.

"They`re the two best players this year, with the results they`ve had," Djokovic said. "Rafa is playing well, it didn`t seem like anything is bothering him in the last few matches... He`s very close to his best. 
"And Carlos as well, I mean he`s living the dream isn`t he? He`s playing amazing tennis and he`s improved so much... It`s going to be a good match."

World number one Novak Djokovic eased past Hubert Hurkacz with a routine 6-3 6-4 victory on Friday to advance to the Madrid Open semi-finals, as he bids for a fourth title in the Spanish capital.

World number one Novak Djokovic eased past Hubert Hurkacz with a routine 6-3 6-4 victory on Friday to advance to the Madrid Open semi-finals, as he bids for a fourth title in the Spanish capital. Djokovic looked much more like his usual self at the Manolo Santana Stadium on a sunny day in Madrid as he continued to work his way back towards top form ahead of the French Open, which begins later this month. The 34-year-old was given a walkover into the quarter-finals when opponent Andy Murray withdrew from their highly anticipated clash due to illness and the top-seeded Serb got straight down to business against Hurkacz. Having raced to a 3-0 lead in the first set, Djokovic closed it out in 36 minutes and maintained the pressure in the second. He got the crucial break at 3-2 and triumphed after an hour and 20 minutes. Djokovic sent down 16 winners while he did not face a break point from Hurkacz, and extended his perfect record against the Pole to 4-0. ALSO READ | Six players receive lengthy bans after Spanish courts find them guilty of match-fixing "The first set I think we both didn`t play so great, took us both time to adapt to conditions," Djokovic said. "Second set, I think better quality tennis. I was serving really well. I am pleased with the way I was constructing the point." Djokovic will face the winner of the match between world number four Rafa Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, which takes place later on Friday, for a place in the final. "They`re the two best players this year, with the results they`ve had," Djokovic said. "Rafa is playing well, it didn`t seem like anything is bothering him in the last few matches... He`s very close to his best. "And Carlos as well, I mean he`s living the dream isn`t he? He`s playing amazing tennis and he`s improved so much... It`s going to be a good match."

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic beats Hubert Hurkacz to reach semi-finals in Madrid

Rafa Nadal said he will be the underdog when the 21-times Grand Slam champion faces teenager Carlos Alcaraz on Friday in a battle between the Spaniards in the Madrid Open quarter-finals. Australian Open champion Nadal is playing his first tournament since picking up a rib injury at Indian Wells in March and expects a "very tough" test against the 19-year-old.

"I think that today, he is better than me and he has a good dynamic, a good momentum," said Nadal, who saved four match points to overcome David Goffin 6-3 5-7 7-6(9) on Thursday. "I think that Alcaraz is in a better physical state of mind, is more fit ... he`s younger, so he has that extra energy. I`m clear who, from the beginning, has some kind of advantage in tomorrow`s match."

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Alcaraz, who beat Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7(4) 6-3 to set up a third career meeting with Nadal, has drawn comparisons with his compatriot after winning three titles this year and entering the world top 10. "He is the best player in the world on clay ... even though he says that I`m the favourite, that he`s not fit enough ... you always have to think of Rafa as the favorite because he has already won here five times," said Alcaraz, who lost their previous two meetings.

"Of course I dream and I fight to be the best one. As I already said, to be the best one you have to beat the best ones and the best. I think I`m ready to achieve that ultimate goal."

Rafa Nadal said he will be the underdog when the 21-times Grand Slam champion faces teenager Carlos Alcaraz on Friday in a battle between the Spaniards in the Madrid Open quarter-finals.

Rafa Nadal said he will be the underdog when the 21-times Grand Slam champion faces teenager Carlos Alcaraz on Friday in a battle between the Spaniards in the Madrid Open quarter-finals. Australian Open champion Nadal is playing his first tournament since picking up a rib injury at Indian Wells in March and expects a "very tough" test against the 19-year-old. "I think that today, he is better than me and he has a good dynamic, a good momentum," said Nadal, who saved four match points to overcome David Goffin 6-3 5-7 7-6(9) on Thursday. "I think that Alcaraz is in a better physical state of mind, is more fit ... he`s younger, so he has that extra energy. I`m clear who, from the beginning, has some kind of advantage in tomorrow`s match." ALSO READ | Madrid Open: Jessica Pegula triumphs over Jil Teichmann to set title showdown vs Ons Jabeur Alcaraz, who beat Cameron Norrie 6-4 6-7(4) 6-3 to set up a third career meeting with Nadal, has drawn comparisons with his compatriot after winning three titles this year and entering the world top 10. "He is the best player in the world on clay ... even though he says that I`m the favourite, that he`s not fit enough ... you always have to think of Rafa as the favorite because he has already won here five times," said Alcaraz, who lost their previous two meetings. "Of course I dream and I fight to be the best one. As I already said, to be the best one you have to beat the best ones and the best. I think I`m ready to achieve that ultimate goal."

Madrid Open: Advantage Carlos Alcaraz in quarter-final, says Spaniard Rafael Nadal

Jessica Pegula of America advanced into the final of the Madrid Open after defeating Jil Teichmann of Switzerland 6-3, 6-4 in their late-night semifinal clash. It took an hour and 21 minutes for Pegula to ease past 35th-ranked Teichmann in their first meeting.

Jessica was dominant as she started each set strong, seizing leads of 3-0 in the first and 2-0 in the second. Teichmann made a brief charge to reach 4-4 in set two, but the 35th-ranked Swiss dropped serve in the ninth game and then Pegula closed it out. Pegula will now take on a fellow first-time WTA 1000 finalist, No.8 seed Ons Jabeur, in Saturday`s championship match.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-pulls-out-from-novak-djokovic-face-off-in-madrid-due-to-illness-476566">Andy Murray pulls out from Novak Djokovic face-off in Madrid due to illness</a>

Jabeur defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova in Thursday`s semifinal. For both Jessica Pegula and Ons Jabeur, the Mutua Madrid Open will be the first final of a WTA 1000 tournament they will be contesting.

Jessica Pegula of America advanced into the final of the Madrid Open after defeating Jil Teichmann of Switzerland 6-3, 6-4 in their late-night semifinal clash. It took an hour and 21 minutes for Pegula to ease past 35th-ranked Teichmann in their first meeting.

Jessica Pegula of America advanced into the final of the Madrid Open after defeating Jil Teichmann of Switzerland 6-3, 6-4 in their late-night semifinal clash. It took an hour and 21 minutes for Pegula to ease past 35th-ranked Teichmann in their first meeting. Jessica was dominant as she started each set strong, seizing leads of 3-0 in the first and 2-0 in the second. Teichmann made a brief charge to reach 4-4 in set two, but the 35th-ranked Swiss dropped serve in the ninth game and then Pegula closed it out. Pegula will now take on a fellow first-time WTA 1000 finalist, No.8 seed Ons Jabeur, in Saturday`s championship match. ALSO READ | Andy Murray pulls out from Novak Djokovic face-off in Madrid due to illness Jabeur defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova in Thursday`s semifinal. For both Jessica Pegula and Ons Jabeur, the Mutua Madrid Open will be the first final of a WTA 1000 tournament they will be contesting.

Madrid Open: Jessica Pegula triumphs over Jil Teichmann to set title showdown vs Ons Jabeur

Andy Murray has withdrawn from his last-16 match against world number one Novak Djokovic at the Madrid Open on Thursday due to illness, tournament organisers said. Three-times major winner Murray was set to face Djokovic for the 37th time in a highly anticipated clash on clay at the ATP Masters 1000 event in the Spanish capital.

"Unfortunately, Andy Murray is unable to take to the Manolo Santana Stadium due to illness," organisers wrote on Twitter. "Instead, Andrey Rublev and Daniel Evans will open the day`s play on centre court."

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Former world number one Murray, who had earlier said he would skip the claycourt season in order to protect his fitness, accepted a late wildcard in Madrid and beat Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov in his opening two matches.

Andy Murray has withdrawn from his last-16 match against world number one Novak Djokovic at the Madrid Open on Thursday due to illness, tournament organisers said.

Andy Murray has withdrawn from his last-16 match against world number one Novak Djokovic at the Madrid Open on Thursday due to illness, tournament organisers said. Three-times major winner Murray was set to face Djokovic for the 37th time in a highly anticipated clash on clay at the ATP Masters 1000 event in the Spanish capital. "Unfortunately, Andy Murray is unable to take to the Manolo Santana Stadium due to illness," organisers wrote on Twitter. "Instead, Andrey Rublev and Daniel Evans will open the day`s play on centre court." ALSO READ | Rafael Nadal overpowers Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic in Madrid on return from injury Former world number one Murray, who had earlier said he would skip the claycourt season in order to protect his fitness, accepted a late wildcard in Madrid and beat Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov in his opening two matches.

Andy Murray pulls out from Novak Djokovic face-off in Madrid due to illness

Rafa Nadal returned from an injury layoff to beat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-1 7-6(4) on Wednesday and reach the last 16 in the Madrid Open claycourt tournament. Nadal, competing in his first match since March following a rib injury, quickly found his rhythm in a strong start against Serbian Kecmanovic.

Rain suspended play early in the second set and 21-times Grand Slam champion Nadal lost momentum. 
The 35-year-old Spaniard, hitting with explosive power, recovered from failing to serve out the match at 6-5 in the second set to seal victory in just under two hours. Nadal, who improved his win-loss record to 21-1 for the season, is aiming to win his sixth title on home soil in Madrid having last won the tournament in 2017, and will next play qualifier David Goffin.

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Earlier, world number three Alexander Zverev overcame a slow start to beat Marin Cilic 4-6 6-4 6-4, while qualifier Dusan Lajovic beat fifth seed Casper Ruud 7-6(7) 2-6 6-4. Greece`s Stefanos Tsitsipas is due to face Lucas Pouille later.

In the women`s draw, Tunisian Ons Jabeur reached her second WTA 1000 semi-final after beating former world number one Simona Halep 6-3 6-2. Jabeur won 77.8% points on her first serve and converted four of five break points against twice champion Halep to seal victory in just over an hour. 
World number 10 Jabeur will face qualifier Ekaterina Alexandrova for a spot in her first WTA 1000 final after Alexandrova defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-4 6-3.

Swiss Jil Teichmann beat Ukraine`s Anhelina Kalinina 6-3 6-4 and will face the winner of the match between Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain and American Jessica Pegula.

Rafa Nadal returned from an injury layoff to beat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-1 7-6(4) on Wednesday and reach the last 16 in the Madrid Open claycourt tournament. Nadal, competing in his first match since March following a rib injury, quickly found his rhythm in a strong start against Serbian Kecmanovic.

Rafa Nadal returned from an injury layoff to beat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-1 7-6(4) on Wednesday and reach the last 16 in the Madrid Open claycourt tournament. Nadal, competing in his first match since March following a rib injury, quickly found his rhythm in a strong start against Serbian Kecmanovic. Rain suspended play early in the second set and 21-times Grand Slam champion Nadal lost momentum. The 35-year-old Spaniard, hitting with explosive power, recovered from failing to serve out the match at 6-5 in the second set to seal victory in just under two hours. Nadal, who improved his win-loss record to 21-1 for the season, is aiming to win his sixth title on home soil in Madrid having last won the tournament in 2017, and will next play qualifier David Goffin. ALSO READ | Madrid Open: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic stays perfect against Gael Monfils, Emma Raducanu knocked out Earlier, world number three Alexander Zverev overcame a slow start to beat Marin Cilic 4-6 6-4 6-4, while qualifier Dusan Lajovic beat fifth seed Casper Ruud 7-6(7) 2-6 6-4. Greece`s Stefanos Tsitsipas is due to face Lucas Pouille later. In the women`s draw, Tunisian Ons Jabeur reached her second WTA 1000 semi-final after beating former world number one Simona Halep 6-3 6-2. Jabeur won 77.8% points on her first serve and converted four of five break points against twice champion Halep to seal victory in just over an hour. World number 10 Jabeur will face qualifier Ekaterina Alexandrova for a spot in her first WTA 1000 final after Alexandrova defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-4 6-3. Swiss Jil Teichmann beat Ukraine`s Anhelina Kalinina 6-3 6-4 and will face the winner of the match between Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain and American Jessica Pegula.

Rafael Nadal overpowers Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic in Madrid on return from injury

World number one Novak Djokovic began his quest for a fourth Madrid Open title with a 6-3 6-2 victory over Gael Monfils on Tuesday, improving his unbeaten record to 18-0 against the Frenchman. The result ensures Djokovic remains at the top of the rankings while it earned Monfils the ignominy of having the worst record against a single opponent without winning in the Open era.

"I would probably rate it as the best performance of the year," Djokovic told reporters. "I felt very good on the court. (The rain) interruption probably helped me a bit more than him. "I played one of the most athletic and quickest players that we have in the game, Gael... I know I have to always be ready that another ball will always come back from his part of the court.

"You have to constantly try to have a controlled aggression and dictate the point." Djokovic first played Monfils at the U.S. Open in 2005 but Tuesday`s match was only their second encounter on clay and he needed only one break point to clinch the first set.

Although Monfils fired more winners, he made things easier for the Serbian with several unforced errors as he attempted risky shots that did not pay off. Monfils did entertain the crowd with a few shots worthy of the highlights reel, including a `tweener` that had even Djokovic applauding along with the fans.

But the top seed was well in control of proceedings, breaking twice in the second set before serving for the match to advance to the third round where he will meet Andy Murray. Murray claimed his second clay victory in five years with a 6-1 3-6 6-2 win over Canada`s Denis Shapovalov, who fought back in the second set to force a decider but was crushed once again by the Scot in the third set.

Earlier, Andrey Rublev, who won the Serbia Open last month after beating Djokovic in the final, survived an early scare when he fought back from a set down to edge Britain`s 20-year-old Jack Draper 2-6 6-4 7-5. 
Rublev found himself 3-0 down in the decider but Draper suffered from cramps which allowed the Russian to rally and win the contest to move into the last-16. Seventh seed Carlos Alcaraz also had to fight back from two games down in the first set to overpower Nikoloz Basilashvili and deny the Georgian the chance to force a decider with a 6-3 7-5 win. The rising tennis star made the top-10 for the first time last week after winning the Barcelona Open earlier in April, the fourth title of his young career.

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KALININA`S DREAM RUN CONTINUES 
Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina, who beat Sloane Stephens and Garbine Muguruza in the earlier rounds, knocked out a third Grand Slam champion in ninth seed Emma Raducanu to move into the quarter-finals with a 6-2 2-6 6-4 victory. Raducanu was broken to love in the opening game of the match and she quickly found herself 3-1 down as Kalinina fired forehand and backhand winners past the Briton, who struggled to find answers to her power from the baseline.

A second break to go up 5-2 gave Kalinina the chance to serve for the set and she sealed it without facing a single break point before Raducanu requested a medical timeout. The reigning U.S. Open champion had been clutching her back between points but she returned reinvigorated and seemingly pain-free to break three times in the second set to force a decider as Kalinina lost her momentum and made several errors. 
Both players were neck-and-neck in the final set as they stepped up their game but the Ukrainian made the crucial break at 4-4 to serve for the match, sealing victory when Raducanu`s volley went wide on her second match point.

"I was luckier on the deciding points," said Kalinina, ranked 37 in the world. "You see the draw and it`s only been Grand Slam champions. But I`m getting a lot of experience from this."

World number one Novak Djokovic began his quest for a fourth Madrid Open title with a 6-3 6-2 victory over Gael Monfils on Tuesday, improving his unbeaten record to 18-0 against the Frenchman.

World number one Novak Djokovic began his quest for a fourth Madrid Open title with a 6-3 6-2 victory over Gael Monfils on Tuesday, improving his unbeaten record to 18-0 against the Frenchman. The result ensures Djokovic remains at the top of the rankings while it earned Monfils the ignominy of having the worst record against a single opponent without winning in the Open era. "I would probably rate it as the best performance of the year," Djokovic told reporters. "I felt very good on the court. (The rain) interruption probably helped me a bit more than him. "I played one of the most athletic and quickest players that we have in the game, Gael... I know I have to always be ready that another ball will always come back from his part of the court. "You have to constantly try to have a controlled aggression and dictate the point." Djokovic first played Monfils at the U.S. Open in 2005 but Tuesday`s match was only their second encounter on clay and he needed only one break point to clinch the first set. Although Monfils fired more winners, he made things easier for the Serbian with several unforced errors as he attempted risky shots that did not pay off. Monfils did entertain the crowd with a few shots worthy of the highlights reel, including a `tweener` that had even Djokovic applauding along with the fans. But the top seed was well in control of proceedings, breaking twice in the second set before serving for the match to advance to the third round where he will meet Andy Murray. Murray claimed his second clay victory in five years with a 6-1 3-6 6-2 win over Canada`s Denis Shapovalov, who fought back in the second set to force a decider but was crushed once again by the Scot in the third set. Earlier, Andrey Rublev, who won the Serbia Open last month after beating Djokovic in the final, survived an early scare when he fought back from a set down to edge Britain`s 20-year-old Jack Draper 2-6 6-4 7-5. Rublev found himself 3-0 down in the decider but Draper suffered from cramps which allowed the Russian to rally and win the contest to move into the last-16. Seventh seed Carlos Alcaraz also had to fight back from two games down in the first set to overpower Nikoloz Basilashvili and deny the Georgian the chance to force a decider with a 6-3 7-5 win. The rising tennis star made the top-10 for the first time last week after winning the Barcelona Open earlier in April, the fourth title of his young career. ALSO READ | Madrid Open: Andy Murray goes past Denis Shapovalov to set blockbuster clash vs Novak Djokovic KALININA`S DREAM RUN CONTINUES Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina, who beat Sloane Stephens and Garbine Muguruza in the earlier rounds, knocked out a third Grand Slam champion in ninth seed Emma Raducanu to move into the quarter-finals with a 6-2 2-6 6-4 victory. Raducanu was broken to love in the opening game of the match and she quickly found herself 3-1 down as Kalinina fired forehand and backhand winners past the Briton, who struggled to find answers to her power from the baseline. A second break to go up 5-2 gave Kalinina the chance to serve for the set and she sealed it without facing a single break point before Raducanu requested a medical timeout. The reigning U.S. Open champion had been clutching her back between points but she returned reinvigorated and seemingly pain-free to break three times in the second set to force a decider as Kalinina lost her momentum and made several errors. Both players were neck-and-neck in the final set as they stepped up their game but the Ukrainian made the crucial break at 4-4 to serve for the match, sealing victory when Raducanu`s volley went wide on her second match point. "I was luckier on the deciding points," said Kalinina, ranked 37 in the world. "You see the draw and it`s only been Grand Slam champions. But I`m getting a lot of experience from this."

Madrid Open: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic stays perfect against Gael Monfils, Emma Raducanu knocked out

Great Britain`s Andy Murray, who returned to clay for the first time in nearly two years, defeated Dominic Thiem of Austria 6-3, 6-4 to secure a Round-of-32 clash against Denis Shapovalov at the Madrid Open here. 
&nbsp;Murray was ranked world No. 1 in the ATP Rankings when he last took the court at the Madrid Open in 2017 and his performance against the Austrian on Monday night belied his current world ranking of No. 78. 
 
It was the two-time Madrid champion`s first victory on the surface since the 2017 French Open quarterfinals when he beat Kei Nishikori of Japan. "I enjoyed it. I prepared really hard before coming here," said Murray to atptour.com. The three-time Grand Slam champion was initially planning to skip this year`s clay swing before accepting a wild card into the Spanish ATP Masters 1000 event. 
 
"I worked hard and really wanted to go out and put a good performance out there. I feel like I did that. When I played a couple of years ago on the clay, I was struggling a little bit with my groin. My body felt really good in the last few weeks and tonight I felt like I moved well and I played a really good match," added Murray. 
 
Murray, who has undergone a hip surgery, last played a clay-court game at Roland Garros in 2020. He had initially planned to continue his break from clay and compete in hard-court ATP Challenger Tour events during the European clay swing. But when the events got cancelled, he changed his plan.

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Murray showed few signs of rust as he dished out a dominant display. Thiem, still seeking the first win of his comeback from a right-wrist injury, was only brilliant in patches. 
 
"It`s extremely difficult," Murray said of Thiem`s comeback in the second set. "He obviously had the injury initially and has also had some setbacks along the way. Mentally, it will take time to feel confident, totally accelerating on the ball. I had a wrist injury when I was 20 years old and it was very difficult. It took me time before I started to feel comfortable on the forehand side again. 
 
"He uses his wrist a lot when he plays. He plays with heavy topspin. It`s obviously going to take him time, but he can still hit the ball great. He`s serving well, moving well. It`s just going to take time," added Murray. 
 
Murray next faces 14th seed Denis Shapovalov of Canada, who got past lucky loser Ugo Humbert of France, 7-6(1), 6-3. The 23-year-old Shapovalov won his only previous meeting with Murray in straight sets one year ago in the Wimbledon third round.

Great Britain`s Andy Murray, who returned to clay for the first time in nearly two years, defeated Dominic Thiem of Austria 6-3, 6-4 to secure a Round-of-32 clash against Denis Shapovalov at the Madrid Open here.

Great Britain`s Andy Murray, who returned to clay for the first time in nearly two years, defeated Dominic Thiem of Austria 6-3, 6-4 to secure a Round-of-32 clash against Denis Shapovalov at the Madrid Open here. Murray was ranked world No. 1 in the ATP Rankings when he last took the court at the Madrid Open in 2017 and his performance against the Austrian on Monday night belied his current world ranking of No. 78. It was the two-time Madrid champion`s first victory on the surface since the 2017 French Open quarterfinals when he beat Kei Nishikori of Japan. "I enjoyed it. I prepared really hard before coming here," said Murray to atptour.com. The three-time Grand Slam champion was initially planning to skip this year`s clay swing before accepting a wild card into the Spanish ATP Masters 1000 event. "I worked hard and really wanted to go out and put a good performance out there. I feel like I did that. When I played a couple of years ago on the clay, I was struggling a little bit with my groin. My body felt really good in the last few weeks and tonight I felt like I moved well and I played a really good match," added Murray. Murray, who has undergone a hip surgery, last played a clay-court game at Roland Garros in 2020. He had initially planned to continue his break from clay and compete in hard-court ATP Challenger Tour events during the European clay swing. But when the events got cancelled, he changed his plan. ALSO READ | World No. 1 Novak Djokovic hopeful of things progressing in 'right direction' at Madrid Open 2022 Murray showed few signs of rust as he dished out a dominant display. Thiem, still seeking the first win of his comeback from a right-wrist injury, was only brilliant in patches. "It`s extremely difficult," Murray said of Thiem`s comeback in the second set. "He obviously had the injury initially and has also had some setbacks along the way. Mentally, it will take time to feel confident, totally accelerating on the ball. I had a wrist injury when I was 20 years old and it was very difficult. It took me time before I started to feel comfortable on the forehand side again. "He uses his wrist a lot when he plays. He plays with heavy topspin. It`s obviously going to take him time, but he can still hit the ball great. He`s serving well, moving well. It`s just going to take time," added Murray. Murray next faces 14th seed Denis Shapovalov of Canada, who got past lucky loser Ugo Humbert of France, 7-6(1), 6-3. The 23-year-old Shapovalov won his only previous meeting with Murray in straight sets one year ago in the Wimbledon third round.

Madrid Open: Andy Murray triumphs over Dominic Thiem to attain first clay-court challenge in two years

Former World number one Andy Murray on Tuesday defeated Denis Shapovalov to reach the third round at the Madrid Open 2022. With a 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 victory over the Canadian in Madrid, Murray now for the first time has won consecutive matches since January in Sydney, where the 46-time tour-level titlist reached the final.After good wins at the Caja Magica against former Top 10 players in Dominic Thiem and Shapovalov, it will not get any easier for Murray. Next up is a blockbuster showdown with World No. 1 Novak Djokovic -- their first meeting since the Doha final in 2017 -- for a place in the quarter-finals.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;Madrid Open: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/madrid-open-andry-murray-triumphs-over-dominic-thiem-to-attain-first-clay-court-challenge-in-two-years-475991">Andy Murray triumphs over Dominic Thiem to attain first clay-court challenge in two years</a>

Earlier, the world`s number one Novak Djokovic thrashed Gael Monfils. In what has proved a comfortable matchup for the Serb over the years, he snuffed out any chance of that with a 6-3, 6-2 victory to improve to 18-0 against the Frenchman. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz spent much of his opening match behind in the set score but still claimed a relatively routine victory over Nikoloz Basilashvili, 6-3, 7-5.

The 18-year-old, who turns 19 on Thursday, will next face the winner of ninth seed Cameron Norrie`s Wednesday matchup against John Isner.

Former World number one Andy Murray on Tuesday defeated Denis Shapovalov to reach the third round at the Madrid Open 2022. With a 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 victory over the Canadian in Madrid, Murray now for the first time has won consecutive matches since January in Sydney, where the 46-time tour-level titlist reached the final.

Former World number one Andy Murray on Tuesday defeated Denis Shapovalov to reach the third round at the Madrid Open 2022. With a 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 victory over the Canadian in Madrid, Murray now for the first time has won consecutive matches since January in Sydney, where the 46-time tour-level titlist reached the final.After good wins at the Caja Magica against former Top 10 players in Dominic Thiem and Shapovalov, it will not get any easier for Murray. Next up is a blockbuster showdown with World No. 1 Novak Djokovic -- their first meeting since the Doha final in 2017 -- for a place in the quarter-finals. ALSO READ | Madrid Open: Andy Murray triumphs over Dominic Thiem to attain first clay-court challenge in two years Earlier, the world`s number one Novak Djokovic thrashed Gael Monfils. In what has proved a comfortable matchup for the Serb over the years, he snuffed out any chance of that with a 6-3, 6-2 victory to improve to 18-0 against the Frenchman. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz spent much of his opening match behind in the set score but still claimed a relatively routine victory over Nikoloz Basilashvili, 6-3, 7-5. The 18-year-old, who turns 19 on Thursday, will next face the winner of ninth seed Cameron Norrie`s Wednesday matchup against John Isner.

Madrid Open: Andy Murray goes past Denis Shapovalov to set blockbuster clash vs Novak Djokovic

World number one men`s tennis player Novak Djokovic is hopeful that things will progress in the right direction at Madrid Open 2022. The 20-time Grand Slam champion and the top seed this week at the Madrid Open, has been eager for competitive match play in recent time. Djokovic last played in Belgrade, where he played four three-setters in a runner-up finish at his hometown Serbia Open.

The Serbian lost to Andrey Rublev in a three-set final but he left the ATP 250 event happy with his performance. "I was looking to spend more time on the court, and that`s what I got. So of course playing finals is a good result and I have to be positive about it," he said in a Madrid pre-tournament presser as per atptour.com."I like a lot of things about the way I was hitting the ball. Of course it`s not at the level still where I wish it to be. It is a process, and I have to be patient. Hopefully, things will progress in the right direction also this week."Djokovic who suffered a shock loss in Monte Carlo attributed the gaps in his game to his lack of match play."But [it was] different in Belgrade than it was in Monaco," he explained of his fitness level. "Knowing that I played four almost-three-hour matches and long, three-set battles gives me enough reason to believe that it`s headed in the right direction."I had a very good week of training now, put more emphasis on fitness and building stamina and endurance because that`s what`s going to be necessary in order to compete with top guys on the slowest and physically most demanding surface in our sport."

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The 34-year-old will get a bye through the first round of the Madrid Open 2022 and will meet the winner of the clash between Spanish wildcard Carlos Gimeno and Frenchman Gael Monfils.The Serb, who is back in the Caja Magica after missing the event last year, is in the same section of the draw as the enticing match up between the British two-time Wimbledon champion and Dominic Thiem. The Austrian, who has recovered from a wrist injury, was a finalist at Madrid Open in 2017 and 2018.&nbsp;

World number one men`s tennis player Novak Djokovic is hopeful that things will progress in the right direction at Madrid Open 2022. The 20-time Grand Slam champion and the top seed this week at the Madrid Open, has been eager for competitive match play in recent time.

World number one men`s tennis player Novak Djokovic is hopeful that things will progress in the right direction at Madrid Open 2022. The 20-time Grand Slam champion and the top seed this week at the Madrid Open, has been eager for competitive match play in recent time. Djokovic last played in Belgrade, where he played four three-setters in a runner-up finish at his hometown Serbia Open. The Serbian lost to Andrey Rublev in a three-set final but he left the ATP 250 event happy with his performance. "I was looking to spend more time on the court, and that`s what I got. So of course playing finals is a good result and I have to be positive about it," he said in a Madrid pre-tournament presser as per atptour.com."I like a lot of things about the way I was hitting the ball. Of course it`s not at the level still where I wish it to be. It is a process, and I have to be patient. Hopefully, things will progress in the right direction also this week."Djokovic who suffered a shock loss in Monte Carlo attributed the gaps in his game to his lack of match play."But [it was] different in Belgrade than it was in Monaco," he explained of his fitness level. "Knowing that I played four almost-three-hour matches and long, three-set battles gives me enough reason to believe that it`s headed in the right direction."I had a very good week of training now, put more emphasis on fitness and building stamina and endurance because that`s what`s going to be necessary in order to compete with top guys on the slowest and physically most demanding surface in our sport." ALSO READ | Madrid Open: Emma Raducanu advances ahead, Sorribes Tormo ousts Japan's Naomi Osaka The 34-year-old will get a bye through the first round of the Madrid Open 2022 and will meet the winner of the clash between Spanish wildcard Carlos Gimeno and Frenchman Gael Monfils.The Serb, who is back in the Caja Magica after missing the event last year, is in the same section of the draw as the enticing match up between the British two-time Wimbledon champion and Dominic Thiem. The Austrian, who has recovered from a wrist injury, was a finalist at Madrid Open in 2017 and 2018.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic hopeful of things progressing in 'right direction' at Madrid Open 2022

Emma Raducanu registered a second-round win over longtime junior rival Marta Kostyuk to reach Round 3 at the Madrid Open, while Sara Sorribes Tormo defeated Naomi Osaka for the second time in their four meetings on Sunday. Reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu is still rolling at the Madrid Open. The No.9 seed moved safely through to the last 16 in the Spanish capital with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, her fifth win in her first seven tour-level matches on clay.

Having won back-to-back matches just once in the six months following her US Open triumph last summer, Raducanu has now done so twice in as many weeks this clay-court season.Later, Jil Teichman knocked out No.17 seed Leylah Fernandez to reach Round 3. The 6-4, 6-4 win was Teichmann`s third over a Top 20 player this season, and first on clay since she beat then-World No.5 Elina Svitolina in the first round of Madrid a year ago.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/madrid-open-bianca-andreescu-dominates-danielle-collins-for-first-top-10-win-on-clay-475495">Madrid Open: Bianca Andreescu dominates Danielle Collins for first top-10 win on clay</a>

She`ll next face No.16 seed Elena Rybakina, who moved through to the last 16 after Katerina Siniakova retired from their match after playing seven games. Later, Spanish hope Sara Sorribes Tormo posted a career-best result, ousting former World No.1 Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-1 in 1 hour and 28 minutes of play to reach the Round of 16.In the Round of 16, Sorribes Tormo will square off against Daria Kasatkina, who also notched a big win on Sunday with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 upset of No.4 seed Maria Sakkari.

Emma Raducanu registered a second-round win over longtime junior rival Marta Kostyuk to reach Round 3 at the Madrid Open, while Sara Sorribes Tormo defeated Naomi Osaka for the second time in their four meetings on Sunday.

Emma Raducanu registered a second-round win over longtime junior rival Marta Kostyuk to reach Round 3 at the Madrid Open, while Sara Sorribes Tormo defeated Naomi Osaka for the second time in their four meetings on Sunday. Reigning US Open champion Emma Raducanu is still rolling at the Madrid Open. The No.9 seed moved safely through to the last 16 in the Spanish capital with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, her fifth win in her first seven tour-level matches on clay. Having won back-to-back matches just once in the six months following her US Open triumph last summer, Raducanu has now done so twice in as many weeks this clay-court season.Later, Jil Teichman knocked out No.17 seed Leylah Fernandez to reach Round 3. The 6-4, 6-4 win was Teichmann`s third over a Top 20 player this season, and first on clay since she beat then-World No.5 Elina Svitolina in the first round of Madrid a year ago. ALSO READ | Madrid Open: Bianca Andreescu dominates Danielle Collins for first top-10 win on clay She`ll next face No.16 seed Elena Rybakina, who moved through to the last 16 after Katerina Siniakova retired from their match after playing seven games. Later, Spanish hope Sara Sorribes Tormo posted a career-best result, ousting former World No.1 Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-1 in 1 hour and 28 minutes of play to reach the Round of 16.In the Round of 16, Sorribes Tormo will square off against Daria Kasatkina, who also notched a big win on Sunday with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 upset of No.4 seed Maria Sakkari.

Madrid Open: Emma Raducanu advances ahead, Sorribes Tormo ousts Japan's Naomi Osaka

Bianca Andreescu came with a scintillating performance at the Madrid Open as she completed a dominating 6-1, 6-1 win over Danielle Collins in just 69 minutes to reach the third round.

Bianca Andreescu dropped just two games against Collins in the second round, scoring her first Top 10 win since 2019 and first on clay.

It was the Canadian`s fourth match following her six-month mental health hiatus, and just the ninth WTA main draw contest of her career on clay.

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The result marked former World No.5 Andreescu`s first Top 10 win since defeating Serena Williams in the 2019 US Open final, and the first of her career off hard courts.

Ranked No.111 coming into Madrid, Andreescu is guaranteed to return to the Top 100 next week.

She will face either No.12 seed Jessica Pegula or Kaia Kanepi in a bid to reach her first quarterfinal since Strasbourg last year.

Bianca Andreescu came with a scintillating performance at the Madrid Open as she completed a dominating 6-1, 6-1 win over Danielle Collins in just 69 minutes to reach the third round.

Bianca Andreescu came with a scintillating performance at the Madrid Open as she completed a dominating 6-1, 6-1 win over Danielle Collins in just 69 minutes to reach the third round. Bianca Andreescu dropped just two games against Collins in the second round, scoring her first Top 10 win since 2019 and first on clay. It was the Canadian`s fourth match following her six-month mental health hiatus, and just the ninth WTA main draw contest of her career on clay. Also read | Cristiano Ronaldo likely to make sensational return to Real Madrid - Report The result marked former World No.5 Andreescu`s first Top 10 win since defeating Serena Williams in the 2019 US Open final, and the first of her career off hard courts. Ranked No.111 coming into Madrid, Andreescu is guaranteed to return to the Top 100 next week. She will face either No.12 seed Jessica Pegula or Kaia Kanepi in a bid to reach her first quarterfinal since Strasbourg last year.

Madrid Open: Bianca Andreescu dominates Danielle Collins for first top-10 win on clay

No. 8 seed Ons Jabeur was the first winner of the 2022 Madrid Open, advancing past Jasmine Paolini 7-6(9), 6-1 in 1 hour and 22 minutes on Thursday. Jabeur, making her second appearance at the tournament, is coming off a runner-up showing in Charleston last month. Paolini was bidding for her second career top-10 win, having gained her first in Indian Wells over Aryna Sabalenka.

The pair had never played before. Later, the No.15 seed Victoria Azarenka followed Jabeur on Arantxa Sanchez Stadium and virtually replicated the same winning dynamic, beating Viktorija Golubic 7-6(5), 6-3 in 1 hour and 44 minutes. Two-time Madrid finalist Azarenka, who was runner-up to Petra Kvitova in 2011 and Serena Williams in 2012, will next face Tamara Zidansek or lucky loser Beatriz Haddad Maia.

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The Madrid Open already has a marquee second-round tussle lined up, with two-time champion Simona Halep and World No.2 Paula Badosa advancing to face each other after speedy openers. Halep got her 2022 campaign in the Spanish capital off to a flying start, easing past Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-3 on Manolo Santana Stadium.

Badosa followed up on the same court shortly thereafter, sweeping the final nine games en route to a 6-3, 6-0 win over Veronika Kudermetova.

No. 8 seed Ons Jabeur was the first winner of the 2022 Madrid Open, advancing past Jasmine Paolini 7-6(9), 6-1 in 1 hour and 22 minutes on Thursday. Jabeur, making her second appearance at the tournament, is coming off a runner-up showing in Charleston last month.

No. 8 seed Ons Jabeur was the first winner of the 2022 Madrid Open, advancing past Jasmine Paolini 7-6(9), 6-1 in 1 hour and 22 minutes on Thursday. Jabeur, making her second appearance at the tournament, is coming off a runner-up showing in Charleston last month. Paolini was bidding for her second career top-10 win, having gained her first in Indian Wells over Aryna Sabalenka. The pair had never played before. Later, the No.15 seed Victoria Azarenka followed Jabeur on Arantxa Sanchez Stadium and virtually replicated the same winning dynamic, beating Viktorija Golubic 7-6(5), 6-3 in 1 hour and 44 minutes. Two-time Madrid finalist Azarenka, who was runner-up to Petra Kvitova in 2011 and Serena Williams in 2012, will next face Tamara Zidansek or lucky loser Beatriz Haddad Maia. ALSO READ | ATP roundup: Teen sensation Holger Rune stuns Germany's Alexander Zverev at BMW The Madrid Open already has a marquee second-round tussle lined up, with two-time champion Simona Halep and World No.2 Paula Badosa advancing to face each other after speedy openers. Halep got her 2022 campaign in the Spanish capital off to a flying start, easing past Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-3 on Manolo Santana Stadium. Badosa followed up on the same court shortly thereafter, sweeping the final nine games en route to a 6-3, 6-0 win over Veronika Kudermetova.

Madrid Open: Ons Jabeur triumphs over Jasmine Paolini; Simona Halep sets Paula Badosa clash in second round

World number one Iga Swiatek has pulled out of the Madrid Open due to a right shoulder injury, the Women`s Tennis Association said on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old from Poland is on a 23-match winning streak and picked up her fourth consecutive title on Sunday when she defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in the Stuttgart Open final.

"After intense last weeks and winning four titles in a row it`s time to take care of my arm that has been fatigued since the Miami Open and I haven`t had a chance to handle it properly," Swiatek said in a Twitter post.

"I need a break from playing so intensively in order to treat my arm well and that`s why, unfortunately, I have to withdraw."

Swiatek, who won her maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open in 2020, was scheduled to open her campaign against a qualifier at the WTA 1000 event on clay in Madrid, the main draw of which starts on Thursday.

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Before Stuttgart, Swiatek picked up WTA 1000 titles in Doha, Indian Wells and Miami while also leading Poland to November`s Billie Jean King Cup Finals with two singles wins in the qualifying tie against Romania this month.

Swiatek is aiming to return at the Italian Open, which will be played from May 9-15 in Rome, before the claycourt Grand Slam at Roland Garros starts from May 22.

"My body needs rest. I`m going to take some time to prepare for Rome and Paris," she added.

World number one Iga Swiatek has pulled out of the Madrid Open due to a right shoulder injury, the Women`s Tennis Association said on Wednesday. The 20-year-old from Poland is on a 23-match winning streak and picked up her fourth consecutive title on Sunday when she defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in the Stuttgart Open final.

World number one Iga Swiatek has pulled out of the Madrid Open due to a right shoulder injury, the Women`s Tennis Association said on Wednesday. The 20-year-old from Poland is on a 23-match winning streak and picked up her fourth consecutive title on Sunday when she defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in the Stuttgart Open final. "After intense last weeks and winning four titles in a row it`s time to take care of my arm that has been fatigued since the Miami Open and I haven`t had a chance to handle it properly," Swiatek said in a Twitter post. "I need a break from playing so intensively in order to treat my arm well and that`s why, unfortunately, I have to withdraw." Swiatek, who won her maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open in 2020, was scheduled to open her campaign against a qualifier at the WTA 1000 event on clay in Madrid, the main draw of which starts on Thursday. Also Read: Wimbledon defends ban on Russian players, confirms Covid vaccination not mandatory for participation Before Stuttgart, Swiatek picked up WTA 1000 titles in Doha, Indian Wells and Miami while also leading Poland to November`s Billie Jean King Cup Finals with two singles wins in the qualifying tie against Romania this month. Swiatek is aiming to return at the Italian Open, which will be played from May 9-15 in Rome, before the claycourt Grand Slam at Roland Garros starts from May 22. "My body needs rest. I`m going to take some time to prepare for Rome and Paris," she added.

World No.1 Iga Swiatek pulls out of Madrid Open with shoulder injury

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