A resurgent Andrey Rublev staged a thrilling comeback on Spanish soil to knockout home favorite and two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz on Wednesday in the Madrid quarterfinals. The seventh seed, who entered the ATP Masters 1000 on a four-match losing streak, advanced with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory on Court Manolo Santana.
Rublev also snapped a five-match losing streak against players inside the Top 3 of the ATP rankings, while ending Alcaraz's 14-match winning run in Madrid. The Spaniard was one match shy of breaking a tie with countryman Rafael Nadal for the longest winning streak in tournament history.
"It was an amazing match," said Rublev. "I think the atmosphere was, at least for me, the atmosphere was really nice, and I enjoyed a lot to play in front of full stadium—even if all of them were supporting Carlos, which is normal."
The 26-year-old saved all five break points against him in the second and third sets, repeatedly producing timely big serves and gradually taking control of the match with his powerful forehand.
"I think the serve saved me a lot of times today," Rublev said. "I think the key was I was completely calm the whole match. I did not say one word, even if I was losing."
Despite his recent struggles, Rublev still holds a strong 19-8 record this season, including a title in Hong Kong and a quarterfinal run at the Australian Open. The world No. 8 kept the belief that his fortunes could change quickly during his losing streak, and he is now into his eighth ATP Masters 1000 semifinal, where he will meet Taylor Fritz or Francisco Cerundolo.
Alcaraz opened his European clay season in Madrid after missing Monte Carlo and Barcelona with a forearm injury. That issue affected him against Rublev, leading him to slice more forehands down the stretch.
"I couldn't push him to the limits in every ball," Alcaraz said of the injury, "so I think he hit the ball in a good position every time. And a player like Rublev, if he hits the ball in a good position, it's almost impossible to make points, to beat him."
The Spaniard was full of praise for his opponent, calling Rublev's game "outstanding" and crediting his "unbelievable" serving in the match. But on his side of the net, his forearm concerns prevented him from finding the level needed to overcome that inspired performance.
Though he expects a slow recovery process, Alcaraz now has the benefit of a full week of rest before the next ATP Masters 1000 in Rome.
"Right now I leave Madrid with good feelings [about] the forearm. But I have to do good work," he said. "I think I'll be OK to play in Rome."
