Madrid Open: Disastrous 24 Hours for Tournament As Jannik Sinner’s Update Adds Insult to Injury Caused by Alcaraz and Nadal’s Exits

Everything was going according to the script at the Mutua Madrid Open 2024. From Rafael Nadal‘s farewell to a potential Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner final, it was all going according to plan. However, a dramatic sequence of events ended it all. While Nadal bid adieu to Manolo Santana with a heartbreaking exit last night, his successor fell prey to Andrey Rublev in a 3-set battle. To add to fans’ misery, red-hot Jannik Sinner shared a saddening update, denting the tournament once and for all.

A big turnout often depends on the availability of top-ranked players. With Novak Djokovic out prior to the tournament and local legends eliminated, Jannik Sinner was the saving grace. However, battling his own physical struggles, Sinner eventually took the inevitable decision.

The World No.2 took to his X and said, “Very sad to have to withdraw from my next match here in Madrid. My hip has been bothering me this week and has slowly been getting more painful.”

In the same tweet, he also confirmed that the doctor’s advice influenced his decision. He further added, “Taking the advice from the doctors we decided it’s best to not play further and make it worse.” Aiming to keep himself at 100% for Roland Garros, Sinner took the tough call. He was facing discomfort around his hip throughout the tournament, which only aggravated further after his battle against Karen Khachanov.

The latest turn of events has opened the floodgates for American tennis at the same time.

How can American tennis capitalize on big names falling?

While top seeds have fallen like a pack of cards, a certain American has dug deep into the tournament. Taylor Fritz, after an early exit in Monte-Carlo, made a firm statement by making the finals of Munich. He’s now looked quite defiant in Madrid and takes on Argentina’s Cerundolo in the last eight. Being one of the three master champions remaining in the draw, Fritz will aim for glory at the Spanish Capital.

His path to finals involves forehand dominant players in Fran Cerundolo and Andrey Rublev. He’s likely to face Daniil Medvedev or Felix Auger-Aliassime in the finals. Fritz may not be the de facto favorite from here but he will fancy his chances against the players left in the draw.