The World No. 8 Andrey Rublev barked a four-match losing streak on Friday as he got the better of Argentine Facundo Bagnis to reach the third round of the ongoing Madrid Open. Rublev outclassed 6-1, 6-4 Bagnis to reach the third round in Madrid for the fourth consecutive year after one hour and 30 minutes clash. Rafael Nadal Cruises to Straight-Set Win Over American Teenager Darwin Blanch in First Round of Madrid Open 2024.

"It feels really great after a while to start with a win and I'm happy with my performance. I think I played a good match, for the first round especially being in completely different conditions compared to other tournaments, and I played a good level," Rublev said as quoted by ATP.

The 26-year-old will aim for his victory against Bagnis can kickstart his season on a high note. The seventh seed will meet Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the third round after the home hope defatted NextGenATP Chinese star Shang Juncheng 7-5, 6-3.

"This week I started to feel that I'm more relaxed. I was practising well and the mood was different since I arrived here. That's why I had the feeling I should win one match at least," said Rublev.

In other early action, Tommy Paul advanced 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-4 after surviving a scare against Slovakian qualifier Lukas Klein. The American missed Monte-Carlo because of an injury, but he is making his clay-court debut this season. Francisco Cerundolo, who defeated Fabian Marozsan 6-2, 7-6(5) will face Paul next. Carlos Alcaraz Dominates Alexander Shevchenko, Begins Quest for Third Consecutive Madrid Open Title.

Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild, who defeated Daniil Medvedev at Roland Garros last year, defeated Italian Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-4. In the third round, Seyboth Wild will face World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz.

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