Rublev first to qualify for Madrid quarter-finals
The crisis seems to be over for Rublev. After weeks of wandering in which the Russian simply couldn't win (4 consecutive defeats before arriving in Madrid), he's doing better. The trauma of Dubai (disqualification in the semi-final against Bublik) visibly digested, Rublev is back to his former level.
Facing Tallon Griekspoor (Holger Rune's 3rd-round eliminator), the world No. 8 played a full match, leaving his opponent no option. Untouchable on serve (8 aces, 97% of points won on first serve, 7 points lost on his serve throughout the match) and very aggressive from the baseline (29 winners, 5 unforced errors), Rublev left poor Griekspoor nothing but crumbs (6-2, 6-4 in 1h06).
In the quarter-finals, the Russian could face defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, unless Jan-Lennard Struff comes calling.
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