Rublev ends Alcaraz's reign in Madrid
Russian rallies from a set down to dethrone two-time defending champion
Alcaraz's quest for a historic three-peat comes to an end
Andrey Rublev's mid-season renaissance continues at the 2024 Mutua Madrid Open, where he rallied from a set down to dethrone two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and snap his 14-match winning streak. The Russian seventh seed Rublev roared back from a 4-6 first set deficit to win 4-6 6-3 6-2 and reach the semi-finals in the Spanish capital.
Alcaraz, who was bidding to become the first player to win three consecutive titles in Madrid, made a fast start and broke Rublev's serve in the opening game of the match. The 19-year-old Spaniard then held his serve to love to take a 2-0 lead. Rublev, however, broke back immediately and then held his serve to level the match at 2-2.
The opening exchanges showcased contrasting styles. Alcaraz's attacking flair and relentless power were immediately visible, while Rublev’s tactical nous and power were equally apparent throughout. Indeed, it was on one such point, a Rublev backhand deep to Alcaraz’s forehand corner, that the Spaniard netted a forehand, giving the break straight back to the Russian.
After the pair traded further breaks of serve, it was Alcaraz who edged ahead to take the opening set 6-4, concluding the set with a stunning forehand winner down the line. However, Rublev hit back hard in the second set, breaking Alcaraz in the fourth game and then holding his serve to take a 3-1 lead.
Alcaraz broke back immediately, but Rublev broke again in the eighth game to take a 5-3 lead. The Russian then served out the set to level the match at one set all.
Rublev continued to dominate in the third set, breaking Alcaraz in the first game and then holding his serve to take a 2-0 lead. The Russian then broke Alcaraz again in the fifth game to take a 4-1 lead. Alcaraz managed to hold his serve in the sixth game, but Rublev broke again in the seventh game to take a 5-2 lead. The Russian then served out the match to win 4-6 6-3 6-2 and reach the semi-finals in Madrid.
Rublev will now face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-finals, while Alcaraz will have to wait until next year to try and win a third consecutive title in Madrid.
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