Alcaraz’s Madrid Open title defence ended by Rublev

Carlos Alcaraz’s bid for a third straight title at the Madrid Open was ended by Andrey Rublev.

The 20-year-old second seed was aiming to become the first player to win three consecutive Madrid Open singles titles.

Rublev will face American 12th seed Taylor Fritz, who beat Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo 6-1 3-6 6-3 for his 250th tour-level win.

Canada’s Auger-Aliassime will face either Lehecka or Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev, who play on Friday.

The Belarusian second seed did not face a break point against the 17-year-old.

Sabalenka will play Elena Rybakina in her first semi-final since her Australian Open triumph in January.

He is due to feature at next week’s Italian Open in Rome before heading to the second Grand Slam of the season – the French Open – in Paris on 26 May, having already won the Australian Open in January.