Defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the third round of the Madrid Open on Friday, beginning their title defenses with solid victories.
In his first match after a month-long break, Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz showcased his dominant form with a convincing 6-2, 6-1 win over Alexander Shevchenko. The 19-year-old, who has rapidly climbed the ATP rankings, delighted the home crowd with his powerful groundstrokes and agility on the court.
Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying, "It’s great to be back competing, especially here in Madrid. The support from the fans is incredible, and I’m happy with how I played today."
On the women’s side, Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka survived a challenging three-set battle against Poland’s Magda Linette, ultimately prevailing to secure her spot in the next round. Sabalenka, known for her aggressive baseline play, faced stiff resistance from Linette, who has been in impressive form this season. The match tested Sabalenka’s resilience, but she managed to pull through with determination.
"It was a tough match, but I’m pleased to get the win," Sabalenka remarked after the match. "Magda played really well, and I had to fight for every point. I’m looking forward to the next round."
The Madrid Open, one of the premier events on the ATP and WTA tours, continues to draw top talent from around the world. With both defending champions advancing, fans are eager to see how the tournament unfolds in the coming days.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Madrid Open as the competition intensifies.
Reference(s):
Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open to defend titles
cgtn.com
