Andrey Rublev s Madrid Open defence crumbles Aryna Sabalenka battles through

MADRID – Andrey Rublev’s Madrid Open title defence hit the rocks in a defeat by Alexander Bublik in the third round on April 27 in the Spanish capital.

Bublik beat Rublev 6-4, 0-6, 6-4 for his 10th win over a top-10 player, although the Russian is set to sink to 17th after his surprise exit.

Kazakh Bublik, ranked 75th, secured a break in the first game of the deciding set and held on to his advantage.

He will face American Ben Shelton, seeded 12th, or Jakub Mensik in the last 16.

Later on April 27, top seed and world No. 2 Alexander Zverev faces Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

In the women’s draw, defeated finalist in 2024 Aryna Sabalenka fought back to beat Elise Mertens and reach the last 16.

Women’s world No. 1 Sabalenka progressed 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 against Belgian Mertens, ranked 26th.

“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,” the Belarusian told TVE.

“I’m really happy I was able to bring such a high level in the second and third set... so really happy with the way it turned out in this match.”

She will face Peyton Stearns or Rebeka Masarova in the fourth round.

Sabalenka lost a gripping final against Iga Swiatek in Madrid in 2024, and the Pole also eased into the last 16 on April 26, offering hope of a repeat.

“I’m trying to take it step by step and I really hope to make it to the final and take revenge,” added Sabalenka.

Meanwhile, in key overnight action, Novak Djokovic admits he may have played his last-ever match in Madrid after he crashed out in his opening round at the Caja Magica on April