Two-time champion Alcaraz crashes out of the Madrid Open as Rublev rolls

Andrey Rublev, seeded seventh and ranked 26th, halted Carlos Alcaraz’s title defence and remarkable 14-match winning streak in Madrid with a stunning upset in the quarter-finals on Wednesday. Despite being the underdog and having lost his last five encounters against top-three opponents, Rublev delivered a commanding performance to defeat the second-seeded Alcaraz 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 and advance to the semi-finals.

The victory marked a significant turnaround for Rublev, who had been struggling with form, having suffered four consecutive defeats leading up to the Madrid Open. However, he showcased his formidable brand of tennis against Alcaraz, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on key moments and dominate his opponent.

Alcaraz, aged 20, had been enjoying a remarkable run of success, but his quest to become the first man to win three consecutive titles in Madrid came to an abrupt end against Rublev. Despite his talent and determination, Alcaraz was unable to withstand Rublev’s relentless pressure and aggressive style of play.

Rublev credited his serve for playing a crucial role in his victory, acknowledging that maintaining his composure throughout the match was key to his success. He expressed satisfaction with his ability to remain calm and focused, even in the face of adversity, highlighting the mental strength required to excel at the highest level of competition.

In the first set, Alcaraz displayed his prowess by securing a break of serve and claiming an early lead. However, Rublev fought back resiliently in the second set, capitalizing on his opportunities to break Alcaraz’s serve and seize control of the match. Despite a brief dispute with the chair umpire over a challenge request, Rublev maintained his poise and composure, ultimately forcing a decisive third set.

In the final set, Rublev continued to assert his dominance, breaking Alcaraz’s serve twice to establish a commanding lead. With his powerful groundstrokes and aggressive play, Rublev overwhelmed Alcaraz, ultimately closing out the match in under two hours with an impressive display of shot-making and determination.

The victory not only propelled Rublev into the semi-finals of the Madrid Open but also solidified his reputation as a formidable opponent capable of defeating the world’s top-ranked players. With at least one victory against each of the current top 10 players, Rublev has demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level and remains a contender for the title in Madrid.