Madrid Masters: Auger-Aliassime stuns Ruud to reach quarter-finals

Felix Auger-Aliassime produced one of his best performances in the past 18 months to oust clay-court specialist Casper Ruud 6-4, 7-5 and move into the quarter-finals of the Madrid Masters – his first at the 1000 level in over a year.

The last time Auger-Aliassime reached the last eight at a Masters 1000 event was back in March 2023 at Indian Wells.

The Canadian has suffered an alarming drop-off in form since then as he has struggled for any of the sort of play that so excited the tennis world during the earlier days of his career.

This week in Madrid, however, some semblance of the old Auger-Aliassime has returned with some highly impressive displays.

Today was the most impressive yet, as he deservedly defeated the Monte-Carlo finalist and Barcelona Open champion in an excellent showing of clay-court tennis.

He will face the ultimate test next when he takes on top-seeded Jannik Sinner in the quarter-finals, although Sinner is a player the Canadian has twice beaten.

“Things have changed a bit on his part,” Auger-Aliassime said about facing the world No 2.

“Having won against him twice obviously makes it better. We’ve played here. I played an amazing match and beat him two years ago.

“I think I have all the reasons to believe in myself and believe I can win. But I’m going to have to play my A game in order to have a chance.”

Ahead of his victory, the Canadian beat Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka (4-6, 6-1, 6-4), Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, the No 19 seed (6-0, 6-4) and Jakub Mensik (6-1, 1-0 ret.).

Ruud, ranked No 6, won against Serb Miomir Kecmanovic (6-4, 6-1) and No 29 seed Cameron Norrie (6-2, 6-4) in the previous rounds of the Madrid tournament.

Madrid Masters 1000, other last-16 results (Caja Magica, clay, EUR 7.877.020, most recent results first):

• Rafael Nadal vs. Jiri Lehecka
• Jannik Sinner beat Karen Khachanov (16): 5-7, 6-3, 6-3
• Carlos Alcaraz (2) beat Jan-Lennard Struff (23): 6-3, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (4)
• Francisco Cerundolo (21) beat Alexander Zverev (4): 6-3, 6-4
• Taylor Fritz (12) beat Hubert Hurkacz (8): 7-6 (2), 6-4
• Andrey Rublev (7) beat Tallon Griekspoor (24): 6-2, 6-4
• Daniil Medvedev (3) beat Alexander Bublik (17): 7-6 (3), 6-4