Australia’s Alex de Minaur continued his stellar 2025 season by notching his 24th win of the year, drawing level with reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz for the most victories this season.
The 26-year-old defeated Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) in the third round of the Madrid Open on Tuesday. Their match, originally scheduled for Monday evening, was delayed due to a widespread power outage across the Iberian peninsula.
“He’s got huge firepower from everywhere on the court,” De Minaur said. “I had to neutralise that and make things uncomfortable for him. I’m happy with how I executed.”
The win keeps De Minaur undefeated against Shapovalov in five career meetings and sets up a Round of 16 clash against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti. With seven wins in nine matches on clay this season, De Minaur is shaping up well ahead of the French Open.
Zverev Stunned, Swiatek Survives Scare in Madrid
Elsewhere in Madrid, world No. 2 Alexander Zverev was knocked out by Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, 7-5, 6-3. The 21st-ranked Cerundolo repeated his upset of Zverev from last year, capitalizing on early breaks and staying composed while Zverev showed visible frustration, even smashing his racket during the second set.
“He loves playing here — he told me that last year,” Cerundolo said. “He’s an amazing player, so I’m thrilled to be in the quarter-finals again.”
On the women’s side, defending champion Iga Swiatek advanced to the quarter-finals after a tough three-set battle against 13th-seeded Diana Shnaider, eventually prevailing 6-0, 6-7 (3/7), 6-4. Swiatek saved 11 of 13 break points in a match that lasted over two hours.
Reflecting on the previous day’s blackout, Swiatek said, “Honestly, I enjoyed the downtime. It felt like the whole world slowed down a bit. I got to rest and relax.”
She will face Australian Open winner Madison Keys in the next round.
Other Results and Updates
- Grigor Dimitrov completed a suspended match against Jacob Fearnley, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7/3), nearly 27 hours after the match was paused due to the blackout.
- Matteo Berrettini retired from his match against Jack Draper due to an abdominal injury. Draper advances to face Tommy Paul.
- Frances Tiafoe, seeded 16th, defeated Alexandre Muller 6-3, 6-3 and will play Matteo Arnaldi, who knocked out Novak Djokovic.
- Women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka cruised past Peyton Stearns 6-2, 6-4. She awaits the winner of Marta Kostyuk vs. Anastasia Potapova.
Sabalenka, a two-time Madrid champion, continues to look dangerous on clay as she eyes a third title in the Spanish capital.
