World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka began her Madrid Open title defense with a dominant win, while Alexander Zverev showcased his clay-court prowess and Ons Jabeur suffered a shock early exit.

Sabalenka Storms Into Third Round

Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her campaign with an impressive 6-3, 6-4 victory over Russia’s Anna Blinkova on Friday.

With this win, Sabalenka improved her record at the Madrid Open to 18 wins against just 4 losses. She previously won the title in 2021 and 2023 and was the runner-up in 2024, losing to Iga Swiatek.

Sabalenka raced to a 5-0 lead in the first set, eventually clinching it on her third set point after 48 minutes. She maintained control in the second set, securing an early break and never looking back. In the third round, she will face either Elise Mertens or Colombia’s Camila Osorio.

Sabalenka’s Clay Court Ambitions

Although all three of Sabalenka’s Grand Slam titles have come on hard courts, she has proven her mettle on clay by winning two major finals.

Speaking after her match, Sabalenka said, “Every time I go to Roland Garros, it’s a challenge, but I love challenges. Hopefully, one day that beautiful trophy will be part of my collection.”

Her determined approach hints at a strong run toward the French Open this season.

Ons Jabeur’s Early Exit and Sakkari’s Return to Form

In a major upset, 2022 champion Ons Jabeur was eliminated in the first round by Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima, losing 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Meanwhile, Greece’s Maria Sakkari advanced to the third round with a hard-fought 7-6(5), 6-3 victory over 29th seed Magda Linette.

Sakkari’s win suggests she is regaining form after a slow start to the season.

Zverev Dominates, Calls Madrid His Favorite Court

In the men’s draw, two-time Madrid champion Alexander Zverev dispatched Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 6-2 with 32 winners and only 24 unforced errors.

Speaking after the match, Zverev declared, “This is my favorite center court. I’ve only lost two matches here in my life, and hopefully, that trend continues for the next 10 days.” He will next face either Nuno Borges or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Argentine Stars Shine as Auger-Aliassime Falls

Last year’s finalist Felix Auger-Aliassime suffered a first-round defeat at the hands of Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo, falling 7-6(5), 6-4.

This loss could see him drop out of the Top 25 rankings.

Meanwhile, Francisco Cerundolo advanced to the third round after beating Harold Mayot 6-3, 6-4. He will next meet fellow Argentine Francisco Comesana, who stunned 13th seed Arthur Fils 7-6(4), 6-4.

Line Calling Controversy on Clay

New electronic live line-calling technology came under scrutiny after players, including Arthur Fils, raised concerns about its accuracy. Fils noted discrepancies between the visible ball marks on clay and the video reviews. Francisco Comesana also questioned the system but acknowledged it might still be a better alternative to human error.