In the Mutua Madrid Open quarterfinals, Andrey Rublev halted Carlos Alcaraz’s bid for a third consecutive title at the ATP Masters 1000 event.
The match unfolded as a tense battle, with Rublev emerging victorious after a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory that lasted two hours and one minute. This win not only ended Alcaraz’s remarkable streak but also leveled the head-to-head record between the two players at 2-2.
Rublev’s strategic gameplay, marked by a strong service game and composed demeanor, proved pivotal in securing the win. His efficient first serves, landing 74% of the time, coupled with 30 winners and aggressive baseline play, kept Alcaraz on the defensive. Notably, Alcaraz seemed to struggle to replicate his previous stellar performance, likely fatigued from his lengthy fourth-round battle against Jan-Lennard Struff.
With this triumph, Rublev’s record against Top 3 opponents stands at 8-10, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion against formidable competition. Looking ahead, he gears up to face either Taylor Fritz or Francisco Cerundolo in what promises to be an electrifying ATP Masters 1000 semi-final clash. Meanwhile, Alcaraz departs Madrid with an impressive 18-5 season record, his sole title this season coming from Indian Wells, where he clinched his fifth ATP Masters 1000 crown.
