Defending Madrid Open Champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka triumph in the opening clashes on Friday, April 26, in the Spanish capital.
According to AFP, after these wins, both tennis stars qualified for the third round.
World number three Alcaraz came after a month out to begin his double defence with a 6-2 and a 6-1 win over Alexander Shevchenko.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka has strongly made his way from an intensive three-set tussle against in-form Magda Linette.
Moreover, Alcaraz said, “It's been quite a tough month for me, with the uncertainty over when I'd be back. The priority today was to see how I felt in a difficult match.”
He expressed his excitement, saying, “The feelings were very good, and I think I played at a very good level despite coming without rhythm... I am very happy, and it's a pleasure to play here in Madrid again.”
The 2022 and 2023 Madrid Open Champion will face Thiago Seyboth Wild in the third round,
Moreover, two-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka will face Katie Boulter or Robin Montgomery in the third round.
She said, "I think in that second set, she just put a little extra pressure on my serve, and I just didn't handle my emotions well.”
Sabalenka added, “We went to a third set, and I'm just happy that I was able to close this match with a win.”
