Andrey Rublev has advanced to the final of the Madrid Open after defeating Taylor Fritz in straight sets. Rublev, who entered the tournament on a four-game losing streak, has now won four straight in Spain’s capital, including a victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.
In the other semifinal, Auger-Aliassime advanced after Jiri Lehecka retired due to an apparent back injury. Lehecka had previously knocked out Rafael Nadal in the round of 16. This is the third time in the tournament that Auger-Aliassime has advanced after his opponent has had physical problems.
Rublev is now 5-1 against Auger-Aliassime, including a win in their only previous meeting on clay. The Russian is seeking his 16th career title and his second of the season after winning Hong Kong in January.
Auger-Aliassime, who is ranked 35th in the world, will be seeking his sixth career title. The Canadian has a 5-3 record against Rublev.
The men’s side of the Madrid Open has been hit hard by injuries and fitness concerns. Novak Djokovic withdrew before the tournament, and Daniil Medvedev retired in the quarterfinals. Alcaraz was hampered by a sore right arm before he fell to Rublev, and Nadal withdrew with a foot injury.
In the women’s final, top-ranked Iga Swiatek will face No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in a repeat of last year’s final won by Sabalenka.
