Sinner deals with early Madrid start, defeats Norrie

Published

16 hours ago

April 28, 2026

Jannik Sinner made the bet of an unaccustomed morning start, with the world No 1 extending his win streak to 20 matches as he defeated Cam Norrie 6-2, 7-5 on Tuesday at the Madrid Masters.

The top seed who will be playing only his second quarter-final in the high-altitude Spanish capital, was none too pleased at being handed the 11 a.m. opening match on the showcase court.

But Sinner did not waste time worrying as he came back to victory after briefly losing his lead of a set and a break against British No. 1 Norrie.

The Italian has now won his last 25 matches at the Masters 1000 level and is still working to become the first to ever win five straight titles in the elite series.

“Playing so early was quite unusual for me,” he said. “I don’t know the last time I played at 11.

“But the time doesn’t really matter, I try to do my best.”

Sinner did launch a complaint about scheduling in late-night Spain.

“Starting two (evening) matches from 8 p.m. is very late. Afterwards we need to eat, get treatment… but we try to adapt our bodies.”

Sinner and Norrie have been recent practice partners but had never met in a match.

“I knew what to expect,” the seed said. “I was also able to serve well in the important moments.

“I’m happy to be in the quarter-finals again and glad to be through in two sets.”

Wimbledon alert for injured Alcaraz

Published

2 days ago

April 27, 2026

Bill Scott

Carlos Alcaraz could miss the entire grass season if a worst-case scenario on his wrist injury comes into play.

The Spaniard has already withdrawn from title defences on clay at Rome and Roland Garros after injuring the wrist this month in Barcelona.

But latest reports from Spain indicate that the world No. 2 could possibly not be back until the start of the US Open run-up next August, possibly at the Cincinnati Masters.

Rome’s La Gazzetta dello Sport broke the bad news on the fitness state of Alcaraz, winner of the last two French Open editions. The paper reported there was no chance for the player to compete either at Queen’s club, London, or Wimbledon, which begins in late June.

Main photo:- Carlos Alcaraz reached Wimbledon final 2025 – by Roger Parker ISF Ltd

ATP

Untouchable Sinner stretches Masters win streak

Published

3 days ago

April 26, 2026

Bill Scott

Jannik Sinner ran his Masters 1000 win streak to 24 straight on Sunday, reaching the fourth round in Madrid 6-2, 6-3 over qualifier Elmer Moller.

The No. 169 Dane was treated during a medical timeout late in the first set for abdominal muscle pain, carrying on to make a match of it against the world No. 1 Italian.

Sinner, who has lost just two sets over the course of his win streak, kept his unforced error count to nine in a 67-minute victory.

“I felt better today than in the first match, the winner said. “I tried to stay calm, and serve well at the important moments. That was the key.”

Sinner now stands four wins away from becoming the first man to win five Masters titles in succession,

He improved this season to 26-2 and next plays the winner from Brit Cam Norrie or Thiago Agustin Tirante.

ATP

Zverev survives swoon to open with Madrid win

Published

4 days ago

April 25, 2026

Bill Scott

Alexander Zverev bounced back nicely after a “terrible” second set, with the two-time Madrid Masters champion dispatching Argentine clay courter Mariano Navone 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 to reach the third round on Saturday.

The German admitted to a severe clump in the second set as he adjusted to the altitude of the Spanish capital.

Zverev cleaned up his game in remarkable fashion, losing just three points on serve in the final set to advance in one and three-quarter hours.

“The first set was nearly perfect, then I lost focus completely,” the winner waid as he prepares to face Terrance Atmane in the third round on Monday. “It was terrible.

“But the level was still there, I played great tennis in the first and third sets. I have to focus on that.”

Zverev, title winner here in 2018 and 2021, is competing on clay for the third time this season after semi-finals this month in Monte Carlo and at home in Munich.

But he said there are adjustments required to pay in the particular Madrid conditions.

‘The altitude change means changing string tensions. Mine are looser to get more spin.

“This is a different tournament here – you either love it or hate it.”

Zrerev advanced with 13 winners and 27 unforced errors, breaking Navone four times.