Zverev and Sabalenka Advance in Madrid Open Thrillers

Alexander Zverev and Aryna Sabalenka overcome tough matches to advance in the Madrid Open. Get the latest updates.

World number two Alexander Zverev was pushed to the limit by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in a thrilling Madrid Open match but managed to advance to the next round with a 2-6, 7-6(3), 7-6(0) win. Davidovich Fokina dominated the first set, breaking early and cruising to a 2-6 lead.

Zverev staged a remarkable comeback in the second and third sets, saving two break points in the ninth game of the second set and winning the tiebreaker. He then broke Davidovich Fokina in the third set to take a 5-4 lead and eventually closed out the match, advancing in the Madrid Open.

Despite serving for the match, Zverev was broken to love by Davidovich Fokina, but the top seed bounced back to dominate the second tie-break and secure the win. “The first set wasn't my best tennis, but in sport it can change very quickly,” Zverev said. “I was down a set and a break, but I kept fighting and I'm very happy for the win.”

Zverev acknowledged the toughness of the win, saying, “It was a very tough win... Alex was playing unbelievable tennis, the best tennis of his life, and I am happy I am through.” Zverev will next face Francisco Cerundolo, who defeated Francisco Comesana 6-4, 6-4 in an all-Argentine match.

Rublev's Title Defense Ends

Andrey Rublev's Madrid Open title defense came to an abrupt end with a loss to Alexander Bublik, who won 6-4, 0-6, 6-4. This victory marked Bublik's 10th win over a top-10 player. Rublev is set to drop to 17th in the rankings following his surprise exit.

Alexander Zverev really went and got receipts 😳🧾

He received a code violation for taking his phone out to collect evidence of the ball mark 😤 pic.twitter.com/6lvkjG6Ds0

— TNT Sports (@tntsports) April 27, 2025

Bublik will face Jakub Mensik in the last 16 after securing a crucial break in the deciding set. Mensik earned his spot with a 6-1, 6-4 win over 12th-seeded American Ben Shelton. Meanwhile, other notable exits include Novak Djokovic on Saturday and Carlos Alcaraz, who withdrew due to injury earlier in the week.

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka battled through a tough match against Elise Mertens, winning 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 to reach the last 16. Sabalenka admitted, "It was one of those days I didn't feel my best. I got super emotional in the beginning of the first set, with myself in a tough situation." Despite the rocky start, she raised her game, adding, “I'm really happy I was able to bring such a high level in the second and third set.”

Sabalenka will face Peyton Stearns in the next round, seeking to progress further in the tournament. With memories of last year's final loss to Iga Swiatek still fresh, Sabalenka expressed her hopes for a better outcome this time: “I'm trying to take it step by step, and I really hope to make it to the final and take revenge.” Swiatek also advanced to the last 16 on Saturday.

World number three Jessica Pegula suffered a shocking exit, losing 6-3, 6-2 to Japan's Moyuka Uchijima, ranked 56th. Uchijima's five service breaks handed her the biggest win of her career.

World number six Jasmine Paolini was convincingly beaten 6-2, 6-1 by Maria Sakkari, who secured her first top-10 win in over a year. The Greek's confident display signals a return to form, while Paolini will look to regroup ahead of the Italian Open.