Carlos Alcaraz made a strong comeback at the Madrid Open after missing a month due to an injured arm. In his opening match, Alcaraz admitted to not hitting his forehand at full strength, opting to play at a softer pace to avoid aggravating his injury. Despite his initial doubts about his fitness, Alcaraz managed to secure a convincing 6-2, 6-1 victory over Alexander Shevchenko. This marked his return to the court after his last appearance at the Miami Open quarterfinals nearly one month ago.
On the women’s side, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka faced a tougher challenge in her opening match, narrowly defeating Magda Linette 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 on the clay courts of Caja Magica. Despite struggling with her serve at times, Sabalenka managed to secure the win with her 10th ace on match point. Sabalenka expressed hope that her performance in Madrid would be a good omen for the rest of the tournament, reflecting on her past performances where she either clinched the title or exited in the first round.
In Madrid, the competition heated up with third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz taking on Thiago Seyboth Wild in the next round. Seyboth Wild, known for his upset victory over Daniil Medvedev at the French Open last year, posed a formidable challenge to Alcaraz. Meanwhile, other players like seventh-seeded Andrey Rublev, eighth-seeded Hubert Hurkacz, and Tommy Paul showcased their skills with impressive victories in the early rounds.
On the women’s side, fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina continued her strong performance, defeating Lucia Bronzetti to reach the third round. Rybakina, with 27 wins this season, is aiming for her fourth title in 2024. Young talents like 16-year-old Mirra Andreeva also made their mark, advancing to the next round after a solid performance. However, fifth-seeded Qinwen Zheng was forced to withdraw due to a right thigh injury, adding a twist to the tournament.
As the tournament progresses, fans and players alike eagerly anticipate the next matchups and potential upsets. With top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka looking to maintain their momentum, the Madrid Open promises to deliver thrilling tennis action and unforgettable moments on the clay courts. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting clashes in one of the most prestigious tournaments on the ATP and WTA calendars.
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