MADRID/STARNBERG, April 26, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz showcased a commanding performance on Friday as he kicked off his clay-court season and pursuit of a third consecutive Mutua Madrid Open title with a convincing victory over Kazakh Alexander Shevchenko, sealing the match 6-2, 6-1.

After his withdrawals from Monte-Carlo and Barcelona due to injury, the No. 2 seed of the ATP Masters 1000 event showed no signs of physical limitations during the match. Although Alcaraz wore a compression sleeve on his right arm, it did not hinder his performance. The 20-year-old Spaniard displayed his prowess by unleashing powerful groundstrokes from the baseline and frequently moving forward, successfully converting 11 out of 12 net points. Alcaraz capitalized on seven of his 11 break-point chances to advance in one hour and eight minutes.

Make it TWELVE in a row in Madrid 😎@carlosalcaraz takes care of Shevchenko 6-2 6-1!#MMOpen pic.twitter.com/n8oLFSH0LR

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 26, 2024

“I think I did pretty well honestly. The last month I just practised slices, volleys and backhands, so I think it worked pretty well today,” Alcaraz said. “That was something I was thinking about approaching this match, trying to hit the forehand softer let’s say and trying to be aggressive with the backhand, trying to crash the net as soon as possible. I think I did a really good match in that part.”

Alcaraz will next take on Thiago Seyboth Wild, who ousted 28th seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy 6-4, 6-4. The 24-year-old Brazilian, who is sitting at a career-high No. World 63, sent down four aces and won 84 per cent of his first-service points to prevail after one hour and 28 minutes.

For the Mutua Madrid Open Results, please click here.