(Tennis news) Despite a slow start, Carlos Alcaraz defeated world number 41 Emil Ruusuvuori 2-6 6-4 6-2 at the Madrid Open while Iga Swiatek defeated Austria’s Julia Grabher 6-3 6-2. In a shocking result, Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina was defeated by Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya. Despite not being a Grand Slam, the Madrid Open is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world and is considered to be an important clay-court event ahead of the French Open which starts on 28th May. 

Alcaraz is considered to be the favourite to win the ATP Masters 1000 event, especially with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal absent due to injury. The Spaniard defended his Barcelona Open title last week without dropping a set but he began the event without his usual assurance and clarity in his shots. Finland’s Ruusuvuori dominated his service game in the first set, winning all his first service points and dropping just two on his second serve. However, the match then turned in Alcaraz’s favour after he saved five break points to stop Ruusuvuori from moving 4-2 ahead in the second set. 

Speaking after the match, Carlos Alcaraz said “It was really tough, I was about to lose. He was just one point away at 3-2 in the second set – it was like a match point for him. Emil was better than me until 3-3 in the second set. It was tough to come back but I finished with a lot of confidence.” Alcaraz will now face Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov who won 7-6 ( 8-6) 7-6 (7-2) against France’s Gregoire Barrere in his second-round match. Meanwhile Russia’s Andrey Rublev defeated Stan Wawrinka 6-2 6-4 while Matteo Arnaldi defeated Casper Ruud 6-3 6-4. 

Also read: Andrea Vavassori knocks out Andy Murray in the first round of Madrid Open