TENNIS
US star Fritz to avoid Alcaraz semi in Madrid
Taylor Fritz had been expected to face the number two seed, and local favorite in Spain’s capital, Carlos Alcaraz, were he to make it into the semi-final.
In a stunning upset at the Madrid Masters 1000, Russian player Andrey Rublev, seeded seventh, staged a remarkable comeback against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, securing victory with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-3, and 6-2. With this win, Rublev booked his spot in the semifinals of the prestigious tournament, bidding farewell to the two-time defending champion.
Alcaraz out, Madrid draw opens up
Alcaraz, who had been riding a wave of momentum with fourteen consecutive wins at the Caja Mágica, a feat matched only by Rafael Nadal in his prime, suffered his fifth defeat of the season and exited the competition. Despite his efforts, and things were going to plan with the opening set going his way, the Spanish sensation couldn’t maintain his stronghold on the Madrid courts.
Rublev’s victory, achieved in a gripping two-hour battle, marks his maiden entry into the semifinals of the Madrid Masters 1000. Now, he awaits the winner of the clash between American powerhouse Taylor Fritz and Argentine talent Francisco Cerúndolo to determine his next opponent.
All eyes are now on Fritz, the US star, who aims to navigate his way past Cerúndolo and secure his place in the semifinals, lining up a showdown with Rublev. The tournament is certainly heating up.