Alcaraz in the last eight without a second thought

The defending champion continues on his way. Carlos Alcaraz, absent from the courts since his defeat in Miami (beaten by Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-4), continues his comeback. After an imperious victory over Alexander Shevchenko on Friday (6-2, 6-1), the Spaniard had no trouble in following up to defeat Thiago Seyboth Wild on Sunday (6-3, 6-3 in 1h15).

Without playing at his very best, 'Carlito' regaled the Madrid crowd with some wonderful shots. After an average start to the match, the defending champion finally set the wheels in motion to oust a helpless Seyboth Wild. Putting in a very solid performance (19 winners, 7 unforced errors), Alcaraz reached the last 16 with authority.

On Tuesday, he will face a player he had already met and beaten in the final here last year: Jan-Lennard Struff. The in-form German will surely be a first test for the world number 3. Should he qualify for the quarter-finals, the Spaniard could take advantage of the opportunity to equal the record for consecutive victories in Madrid, previously held by Rafael Nadal (14).