Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open to defend titles

Defending Madrid Open champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka both triumphed in their opening clashes in the Spanish capital on Friday to reach the third round.

Alcaraz returned after a month out to begin his double defense with a convincing 6-2, 6-1 win over Alexander Shevchenko of Kazakhstan. Belarusian Sabalenka survived a three-set scare against the in-form Magda Linette from Poland. 

Alcaraz, who is one of the local favorites alongside 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal, shone on home clay after a forearm problem led to his withdrawals from the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open earlier this month.

Wearing a protective sleeve on his right arm, Alcaraz quickly dispelled any doubts after his time out by flying out of the blocks in the first set with a break.

The 20-year-old was frequently on the attack, and secured a second break in the fifth game for a 4-1 lead, before hitting the net with a drop shot to let the Kazakhstani back in but broke again himself for a 5-2 advantage which he served out.

Alcaraz pulled off two second set breaks for a 3-0 lead but again allowed his opponent to cut the deficit before striking back with a third break, which he consolidated for 5-1.

The second seed wrapped up his victory in little over an hour with another break when Shevchenko sent a forehand long.

"The feelings were very good, and I think I played at a very good level despite coming without rhythm... I am very happy and it's a pleasure to play here in Madrid again," said the 2022 and 2023 Madrid winner.

In the women's draw, Sabalenka edged Linette 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. The big-hitter edged the first set but struggled in the second as Linette broke to love and then consolidated for a 4-1 lead. The 32-year-old then carved out three break points in the sixth game but although she could not take them, eventually steered the match to a deciding third set.

The world No. 2 saved three break points to stay on serve and then found a net cord winner to break herself for a 5-3 lead. Sabalenka wrapped up her narrow victory over the world No. 48 by smashing down an ace.

"I think in that second set she just put a little extra pressure on my serve, and I just didn't handle my emotions well," said Sabalenka.

"We went to a third set, and I'm just happy that I was able to close this match with a win."

(With input from AFP)