ATP Madrid Open Day Two Round-Up | Stefanos Tsitsipas escapes in decider, Gael Monfils exits in farewell as Reilly Opelka retires injured
ATPThursday, 23 April 2026 at 21:58
The opening round of the Madrid Open concluded with several defining results, as Stefanos Tsitsipas progressed under pressure, Gaël Monfils exited early, and Reilly Opelka was forced to retire mid-match. Elsewhere, Pablo Carreño Busta and Vilius Gaubas shaped the draw with contrasting results across tightly contested encounters.
Across the draw, early-round dynamics reflected both current form and surface adaptation, with players such as Camilo Ugo Carabelli, Daniel Mérida and Pablo Carreño Busta capitalising on key moments to secure second-round positions. The opening stage clarified potential pathways, with altitude conditions in Madrid continuing to favour first-strike tennis and efficient serving patterns.
Carreño Busta overturns deficit with third-set surge
Score: Pablo Carreño Busta def. Márton Fucsovics 4-6, 7-6, 6-2
Carreño Busta recovered from a set down, stabilising the match through a second-set tiebreak before accelerating in the decider. Fucsovics had initial control, winning key baseline exchanges and capitalising on early break opportunities.
The turning point came in the tiebreak, where Carreño Busta increased return depth and reduced unforced errors, forcing Fucsovics into lower-percentage patterns. That shift carried into the third set, where momentum translated into a sequence of consecutive games.
Carreño Busta’s improved second-serve performance and higher break-point conversion rate in the final set explained the decisive margin. He advances with momentum into the second round, strengthening Spanish presence in the draw.
Tsitsipas survives deciding-set tiebreak after early deficit
Stefanos Tsitsipas def. Patrick Kypson 3-6, 7-6, 7-6
Tsitsipas advanced to the second round after recovering from a slow start against Kypson, who imposed early scoreboard pressure by taking the opening set. The match developed around serve stability, with both players holding consistently through the second and third sets.
The shift came in the second-set tiebreak, where Tsitsipas improved his first-strike patterns and reduced rally exposure. From that point, he managed scoreboard pressure more effectively, particularly in the final-set breaker where he established an early lead.
Tsitsipas finished with a high first-serve points won percentage and limited Kypson’s return impact in key moments, converting the only decisive mini-breaks of the match. He now moves on to face Alexander Bublik, with the result preserving his position in a section that had early upset potential.
Gaubas produces upset with sustained pressure on Báez
Vilius Gaubas def. Sebastián Báez 7-5, 6-1
Gaubas delivered one of the day’s upsets, closing out a straight-sets win after a competitive opening set. Báez initially matched him from the baseline, but struggled to maintain consistency in longer exchanges.
The match shifted after the first set, where Gaubas increased return aggression and shortened points, exposing Báez’s second serve. The Lithuanian began stepping inside the baseline, forcing quicker decision-making.
Gaubas’ superior break-point conversion and stronger second-serve points won percentage in the second set created separation. He now faces Felix Auger-Aliassime, with the upset opening a section previously anchored by Báez.
Carabelli exploits Monfils’ reduced baseline resistance
Camilo Ugo Carabelli def. Gaël Monfils 6-3, 6-4
Carabelli progressed in straight sets, taking control early through a break in the opening set and maintaining scoreboard advantage throughout. Monfils struggled to impose variation from the baseline, allowing Carabelli to dictate patterns with consistent depth.
The Argentine adjusted by targeting shorter rallies and avoiding extended exchanges where Monfils typically builds rhythm. This limited the Frenchman’s ability to reset points and forced him into reactive positions.
Carabelli’s efficiency on break points and solid first-serve numbers underpinned the result, while Monfils’ lower second-serve success rate restricted his ability to recover in service games. Carabelli advances to face Flavio Cobolli, reinforcing his position in a section opened by the Frenchman’s exit.
Mérida closes tight contest after missed match points
Daniel Mérida def. Marco Trungelliti 6-4, 1-6, 7-6
Mérida advanced after a fluctuating three-set match that featured multiple momentum shifts. He took the opening set with a late break, before Trungelliti responded by dominating the second with more aggressive court positioning.
The decisive moment came late in the third set, where Mérida broke back after Trungelliti served for the match. In the tiebreak, he remained composed despite failing to convert four match points before closing on his fifth opportunity.
Mérida’s resilience on return in critical moments and ability to stabilise his second serve under pressure were decisive. He moves into the second round with confidence after managing high-leverage situations.
Kjær benefits from Opelka retirement after service battle
Nicolai Budkov Kjær def Reilly Opelka 5-3 (ret.)
The match was interrupted by Opelka’s retirement due to a right shoulder issue shortly after Kjær secured a break to move ahead 5-3. Prior to the stoppage, both players had held serve comfortably, with minimal return opportunities created.
The encounter was defined by short points and first-strike tennis, with both players winning around 80% of points behind serve in the early stages. Kjær’s breakthrough came through marginal gains in return depth rather than sustained pressure.
With Opelka unable to continue, Kjær advances without completing the set, benefiting from the only break of the match. The retirement alters the section’s dynamic, removing one of the draw’s primary serve-dominant threats.
Lucas MichaelTennis Journalist
Lucas Michael is a sports journalist based in Cambridge, UK. He writes for DartsNews and TennisUpToDate, where he covers professional tennis and darts through reports, analysis, round-ups, and liveblogs.
A key part of his work is live coverage of tennis, including the Grand Slams and major ATP and WTA tournaments on tour. He delivers real-time updates alongside match reports and tournament summaries, with a focus on clear analysis and accurate context around results, form, and wider tour developments.
Lucas holds a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism. In his work, he places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating content promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- When is this Williams shitshow going to be stopped??? STEALING WILDCARDS from young, promising talents is disgusting, I don't care how big an Ego someone has. Dignity & Integrity are obviously out the window. Williams Family needs the spotlight so bad -- install a little theater at home, with professioal studio lighting, an applause track, and enjoy your needy selves.
- Sad? I'm laughing at what a loser you are.
- Somebody please help this child!!! I really think Emma needs to take a few months off from tennis (rankings ne damned!), find a coach she can work with permanently and focus on the weak areas of her game; take a mental reset and come back strong. This see saw situation needs to STOP!
- Nice article: to the point, covers the situation without additional commentary, and flows nicely. This is a breath of fresh air! Thank you -
- Don't be sad. It's just that no one really looks at this site
- What would you know about having a life? 🤣
- Enough of pathetic trolls like you. Putting legend in quotation marks when you spend all day commenting on every post like a complete loser.😂
- If the argument centers on tennis fans, the decision is straightforward. Paula Badosa should not receive wildcards. The risk of paying for a match ticket only to see her retire midway is simply too high. 😁
- Boo-Hoo for BJK and Poland. Sometimes "Life" takes priority over everything else.
- Seems her Groomer is calling the shots again.
Loading