Overview

• Aryna Sabalenka began her title defense at the Madrid Open with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Anna Blinkova, improving her tournament record to 18-4.
• Alexander Zverev cruised past Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 6-2, extending his strong form on Madrid's center court, where he has only lost twice in his career.
• The tournament's draw was significantly impacted by the withdrawals of Spanish stars Paula Badosa, citing a back injury, and Carlos Alcaraz, due to hamstring and adductor issues.
• Sabalenka, a two-time Madrid champion, will face either Elise Mertens or Camila Osorio in the third round, while Zverev awaits the winner of Nuno Borges and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.
• The Madrid Open serves as a critical clay-court event ahead of Roland Garros, testing players' adaptability and form on the surface.