Rublev dumps out two-time defending Madrid champ Alcaraz
Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz was sent crashing out of the Madrid Open on Wednesday as Andrey Rublev triumphed in their quarterfinal clash.
Rublev, the world No 8 from Russia, came through 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, handing the third-ranked Alcaraz his first defeat on Spanish clay in 25 matches.
RUB-LEVITATING into the final 4 š¤@AndreyRublev97's game glistens to dethrone defending champion Alcaraz@MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/pvC3UPQEnf
ā ATP Tour (@atptour) May 1, 2024
Rublev will face either Taylor Fritz of the United States or Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo for a place in the final.
Alcaraz, who was forced to sit out clay court events in Monte Carlo and Barcelona due to a right arm injury, had been in control in the first set.
However, 26-year-old Rublev battled back with Alcaraz looking increasingly weary as the tie progressed in chilly conditions in the Spanish capital and with the roof closed on the Manolo Santana Stadium.
Rublev carved out breaks in the first and fifth games of the decider and celebrated victory when the 20-year-old two-time major winner dumped a tired return into the net.
The Russian clubbed 30 winners as Alcaraz appeared physically spent following his three-set win over Jan-Lennard Struff on Tuesday in a last 16-tie which stretched to almost three hours.
"Rublev joins the party!" š@AndreyRublev97 books a semi-final ticket at his 7th of the 9 ATP Masters 1000s@MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/g1mztDut3t
ā ATP Tour (@atptour) May 1, 2024
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