Zverev Falls to Cerundolo as Swiatek Survives Scare at Madrid Open
The Madrid Open 2025 delivered more shocks on Tuesday as former champion Alexander Zverev was eliminated by Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, while defending women's winner Iga Swiatek fought through a tense three-setter to reach the quarter-finals.
Cerundolo Upsets Zverev Again
Cerundolo, ranked 21st, outclassed Zverev 7-5, 6-3, handing the German his second consecutive defeat in Madrid at the hands of the Argentine. Zverev, a two-time Madrid Open winner, looked off-rhythm and frustrated, especially after surrendering an early break in the second set. The win propels Cerundolo into the quarter-finals, where he will face Jakub Mensik, who breezed past Alexander Bublik 6-3, 6-2.
“I’m super happy because I know he loves playing here,” said Cerundolo. “To beat him again is special.”
Related News: Madrid Open 2025: Coco Gauff Survives Scare to Defeat Yastremska in Three-Set Thriller
Swiatek Battles Past Shnaider
Top seed Iga Swiatek endured a three-set battle to overcome Russia’s Diana Shnaider 6-0, 6-7(3), 6-4. The world No. 1saved 11 of 13 break points and now moves on to face Madison Keys in the last eight.
“Yesterday’s blackout was nice,” said Swiatek, referring to a rare nationwide power outage that delayed play. “It gave me a chance to rest.”
Sabalenka Cruises, Dimitrov Delivers Late Win
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka looked dominant in her 6-2, 6-4 win over Peyton Stearns, staying on course for a third Madrid title. The Belarusian will next face either Marta Kostyuk or Anastasia Potapova.
On the men’s side, Grigor Dimitrov finally wrapped up a rain-delayed win over Britain’s Jacob Fearnley, prevailing 6-4, 7-6(3) after 27 hours.
Also advancing:
- Alex de Minaur (def. Shapovalov) – tied with Carlos Alcaraz for the most ATP wins in 2025 (24)
- Frances Tiafoe, who now meets Djokovic’s conqueror, Matteo Arnaldi
SportsLigue