“I feel good,” said Ruud, according to the official ATP Tour website. “To be back in a Masters 1000 final feels great. It’s not every day you get to play for these titles,” he explained, having previously reached the finals in Miami 2022 and Monte-Carlo 2024. “I’ve been in two finals before and lost both, so hopefully there will be another third time is a charm.”

However, the Norwegian made an important clarification. “If you look at this year, I haven’t played as good as I did in 2024, and I’m back in another final, so I’m coming in with a little different scenario here,” he said. “I came into Monte-Carlo final playing a lot of good tennis prior to that final, and I ended up losing.”

With that experience behind him, Casper now approaches this new opportunity with a different mindset. “If I was to win, which of course I hope and I will try my best to do, it will be kind of ironic that I had a much better beginning of 2024 leading up to Monte-Carlo than I’ve had this year,” he explained. “Hopefully I can just win it this time and just think ‘third time lucky.’”

Draper reflects on his current form

Draper‘s situation is quite different from Ruud’s. The British player is in the best form of his career and already claimed the Indian Wells Masters 1000 title earlier this year. Now, he has a chance to add another trophy to his resume—along with key ranking points.

Ahead of Sunday’s final, Jack reflected on the path that brought him here and how his game has evolved in recent times. “I think I got to 50 in the world by sort of counter punching and being defensive,” he said, according to the official ATP Tour website.

“Then I was in a bit of a crisis last year, thinking like, ‘Where’s my game going to go, what do I need to change?’ Then I did certain things, and I tried to maybe go the opposite end of the spectrum and try and hit every ball as hard as I can and return up the court and do all these things,” Draper explained. “But it didn’t really work, that experiment.”

Now, the British star has a clearer understanding of his ideal playing style. “What was important was that I learn how to be defensive and do all those things, but also attack when I need to attack. So I think I’ve got the balance a lot better now,” he said. “I’m a big guy, but I’m not just a guy who hits big serves and can hit a big winner, I can do everything on the court, and that’s I think what all the top players are able to do.”

Draper and Ruud have a lot at stake in Madrid

There’s more on the line this Sunday than just the Madrid Open title. For Ruud, it’s a chance to claim the biggest trophy of his career. He has been runner-up in two Masters 1000 events and three Grand Slams but has yet to win one. Regardless of the result, he will return to the ATP top 10 next week—but a win could boost him as high as No. 7.

Thanks to his strong performances, Draper will surpass Novak Djokovic in the rankings and break into the world’s top five for the first time in his career. But that’s not all: if he defeats Ruud in the final, Jack will become the third player born in the 2000s to earn tour-level titles on hard, clay, and grass—joining Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

“I won’t be able to play the Madrid Open this year. I’ll miss you all very much—see you next year,” Alcaraz announced on Thursday. “Madrid is one of the special tournaments for me, it’s a tournament that I enjoy, I get to play in front of my fans, it’s one of the first tournaments I attended when I was a kid.”

Immediately after, the World No. 3 explained that his choice was about physical recovery in preparation for the upcoming tournaments. “These types of decisions are not easy to make but sometimes you have to think about your health and about what is important,” he said, before revealing his priority for the clay season.

“My hope is to play in Rome. If not, next tournament is Roland Garros for me,” Carlos said. “A Grand Slam is a Grand Slam. If I play here, I could make the injuries worse and stop for several months and that’s not worth it.”

Alcaraz hopes to be back soon

With the Madrid Open off the schedule, Carlos Alcaraz’s next target is the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome, which begins May 5 and serves as the final major tournament before Roland Garros. “My mindset is to do everything it takes to be a hundred percent for Rome,” the Spanish star explained.

“I’m not really worried about it,” he said regarding his physical condition. “I believe it’s going to take one week, one week and a half, two weeks maximum, but I won’t have doubts about coming back and moving 100% again.” On the steps ahead in his recovery, he clarified: “I will do some tests at the beginning of next week just to see how it’s improved, and from that let’s see how it’s going to be the next days… So I will try to be on court as soon as possible.”

A packed schedule is a challenge for Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz also took a moment to reflect on the demanding conditions tennis players face throughout the year on the ATP Tour. “Tennis is really a demanding sport,” he said.

“Playing week after week, so many matches in a row, and you have to heal your body sometimes and take difficult decisions,” added the World No. 3. “The schedule is really tight, really difficult tournaments week after week, and sometimes you have to think about yourself sometimes, and make the right decisions as to your health.”

“Just struggling for the last few months and coming up with a title in Munich, at home, is very special and I really enjoyed that week,” Zverev admitted in an interview shared by the official ATP Tour website. He also highlighted the significance of winning the title on his 28th birthday, which he celebrated on April 20. “Winning on your birthday is special for sure.”

Alexander had suffered early exits in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico, Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte-Carlo. That made his Munich title not only a breath of fresh air in an up-and-down season, but also helped him leapfrog Carlos Alcaraz to reclaim the No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings.

“I think it’s a weekly thing, I think you got to keep working, keep finding a way to improve your game, a way to improve your confidence,” said Zverev, reflecting on his Munich run. “I think the match in the quarterfinals against Griekspoor was very important for me, you know, winning from a losing position.”

Zverev optimistic ahead of Madrid Open

In the same interview, Alexander Zverev was asked about how he recharges and stays motivated heading into a new tournament, in this case the Madrid Open, just days after his win in Munich.

“Trust me, it’s easier to do that when you win a title than when you lose first round,” the German star replied with a smile. “You kinda feel like, ‘OK, I can play well again now,’ and then, hopefully, the things will go into the right place.”

Sasha also spoke about the importance of regaining confidence in his own abilities. “The confidece can come back, you all of a sudden feel better on the court, you all of a sudden swing a little bit more freely and I felt really well in Munich,” he explained.

Zverev’s path in Madrid

For Alexander Zverev, the Madrid Open arrives not only in the wake of a confidence-boosting victory in Munich, but also after several days of rest that could be crucial ahead of such a demanding event. Following Sunday’s win over Ben Shelton, he’ll have five days off before making his Madrid debut.

On Friday, Zverev will begin his Madrid Open campaign against Roberto Bautista Agut in the round of 64. His opponent, one of the local favorites, is currently ranked No. 55 in the ATP rankings and reached this stage after defeating fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar in the round of 128. The winner of the clash between Zverev and Bautista Agut will face either Nuno Borges or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the next round.

“Having played a tournament like Monte Carlo and arriving in Barcelona with few days to adapt is really tough,” Alcaraz admitted, according to Tennis.com, after losing 7-6, 6-2 to Rune on Sunday.

Carlos dealt with discomfort in his upper right leg during the final, which required medical attention and was likely one of the reasons he wasn’t able to meet expectations and claim the title.

“I bow at the feet of Rafa because of what he did week after week. You have to respect that,” Alcaraz said, acknowledging the Spanish legend’s ability to remain at the top for nearly two decades despite the intense physical demands that come with it.

“We admire Rafa for what he’s done on this swing. Winning everything consecutively is impossible,” added the World No. 3. “Once you experience it, you appreciate what Rafa did much more and how difficult it is to be 100% physically and mentally week after week.”

How is Alcaraz ahead of the Madrid Masters 1000?

Following Sunday’s loss to Holger Rune in the final of the Barcelona Open, the new format of the Madrid Masters 1000 will allow Carlos Alcaraz more time to rest and recover from the physical issues that affected him in that decisive match.

“I’ll talk with my team, we’ll do some tests, but I’m confident it won’t affect me in Madrid,” Alcaraz said, making it clear that despite the natural concern any physical issue brings during such a crucial stretch of the season, he feels good and is optimistic about being fully fit for his next challenge.

Carlos Alcaraz’s path at the Madrid Open

Carlos Alcaraz is set to make his debut at the Madrid Masters 1000 on Friday, April 25, in the round of 64. His opponent has yet to be determined but will come from the match between Belgian Zizou Bergs and Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka, who face off Thursday in the round of 128.

With Jannik Sinner suspended due to doping, the tournament’s top-seeded player will be Alexander Zverev, who reclaimed the World No. 2 ranking this week after winning the Bavarian Open—benefiting from Alcaraz’s loss in the Barcelona final. Carlos enters as the No. 2 seed in Madrid, and his potential path to the final includes heavyweights like Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper.

[Watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Jan-Lennard Struff online free in the US on Fubo]

Alcaraz shows every week that he belongs in the conversation of best player in the world. If he wins the title, he will be almost guaranteeing his return to the ATP World’s N°1 after playing in Rome next week. The Spaniard defeated Emil Ruusuvuori, Grigor Dimitrov, Alexander Zverev, Karen Khachanov, and Borna Coric on his way.

Struff has been the revelation of the tournament with great performances. He entered the draw as a lucky loser, but he took full advantage of that opportunity. The German beat Lorenzo Sonego, Ben Shelton, Dusan Lajovic, Pedro Cachín, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Aslan Karatsev to get to this match. Their head-to-head record is 1-1.

When will Carlos Alcaraz vs Jan-Lennard Struff be played?

Carlos Alcaraz will face Jan-Lennard Struff in the final of the 2023 Madrid Masters 1000 today, May 7. The game will be played at Manolo Santana Stadium.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Jan-Lennard Struff: Time by State in the US

ET: 12:30 PM
CT: 11:30 AM
MT: 10:30 AM
PT: 9:30 AM

How to watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Jan-Lennard Struff in the US

The game between Carlos Alcaraz and Jan-Lennard Struff in the final of the 2023 Madrid Masters 1000 will be available to watch or live stream on Fubo (free trial) in the US. Tennis Channel is the other option.

[Watch Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jan-Lennard Struff online free in the US on Fubo]

Tsitsipas is the main candidate to challenge Carlos Alcaraz based on who are the players still in the draw. Despite being a favorite to win the title, his path hasn’t been easy. The Greek defeated Dominic Thiem and Sebastian Baez in two three-set thrillers before a 6-3; 6-1 over Bernabe Zapata Miralles. He has a 3-2 lead in the head-to-head vs his next opponent.

Struff being in this round is definitely a surprise given he is competing as a lucky loser. The German also had the fortune of seeing Felix Auger-Aliassime losing early, although he took advantage of it. He eliminated Lorenzo Sonego, Ben Shelton, Dusan Lajovic, and Pedro Cachín. His last three victories came down to the wire, so he might arrive a bit tired.

When will Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jan-Lennard Struff be played?

Stefanos Tsitsipas will clash with Jan-Lennard Struff in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Madrid Masters 1000 this Thursday, May 4. The game will be played at Manolo Santana Stadium.

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jan-Lennard Struff: Time by State in the US

ET: 2 PM
CT: 1 PM
MT: 12 PM
PT: 11 AM

How to watch Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jan-Lennard Struff in the US

The game between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Jan-Lennard Struff in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Madrid Masters 1000 will be available to watch or live stream on Fubo (7-day free trial) in the US. Tennis Channel is the other option.

[Watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov online free in the US on Fubo]

Alcaraz keeps confirming his candidacy since the tournament began. He has left no doubts except for the first set in his opener against Emil Ruusuvuori. The Spaniard won in three sets that one, but he defeated Grigor Dimitrov and Alexander Zverev easily afterwards.

Khachanov continues showing his consistency by arriving to this round in a surface that isn’t his favorite. His journey has not been easy since he had to be a long time on the court. The Russian eliminated Thiago Monteiro, Roberto Bautista-Agut, and Andrey Rublev to be among the last eight players contending for the title.

When will Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov be played?

Carlos Alcaraz will take on Karen Khachanov in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Madrid Masters 1000 this Wednesday, May 3. The game will be played at Manolo Santana Stadium.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov: Time by State in the US

ET: 10 AM
CT: 9 AM
MT: 8 AM
PT: 7 AM

How to watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Karen Khachanov in the US

The game between Carlos Alcaraz and Karen Khachanov in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Madrid Masters 1000 will be available to watch or live stream on Fubo (free trial) in the US. Tennis Channel and Teledeporte are the other options.

[Watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Grigor Dimitrov online free in the US on Fubo]

Alcaraz began his journey as the clear favorite. He was already poised to be a natural candidate, but not having Novak Djovokic and Rafael Nadal in the draw separated him from the rest even more. The Spaniard won the ATP 500 of Barcelona last week and started with another victory. It was a 2-6; 6-4; 6-2 over Emil Ruusuvuori in the first round.

Dimitrov is always a dangerous player for all the talent he has. He also skipped the initial round, although his opening game wasn’t easy despite finishing it in two sets. The Bulgarian moved on with a 7-6 (6); 7-6 (2) vs Gregoire Barrere. In the head-to-head Alcaraz is 1-0 ahead of Dimitrov following a 6-1; 6-3 in last year’s Paris Masters 1000.

When will Carlos Alcaraz vs Grigor Dimitrov be played?

Carlos Alcaraz will take on Grigor Dimitrov in the third round of the 2023 Madrid Masters 1000 today, April 30. The game will be played at Manolo Santana Stadium.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Grigor Dimitrov: Time by State in the US

ET: 2 PM
CT: 1 PM
MT: 12 PM
PT: 11 AM
*Not before

How to watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Grigor Dimitrov in the US

The game between Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov in the third round of the 2023 Madrid Masters 1000 will be available to watch or live stream on Fubo (free trial) in the US. Tennis Channel is the other option.

[Watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Emil Ruusuvuori online free in the US on Fubo]

Alcaraz starts the tournament as the main candidate for multiple reasons. The withdrawals of Novak Djovokic and Rafael Nadal certainly help him, but his performances have been incredible. Their recent appearance saw him winning the ATP 500 of Barcelona by defeating Stefanos Tistsipas in the final with a 6-3; 6-4.

Ruusuvuori needs the perfect game to try to compete with this opponent. The good thing for him is that he has begun with a great win in a very fought match. His 7-6 (6); 7-6 (4) victory over Ugo Humbert should give him enough confidence. Another important factor is that he won the only time they faced each other.

When will Carlos Alcaraz vs Emil Ruusuvuori be played?

Carlos Alcaraz will take on Emil Ruusuvuori in the second round of the 2023 Madrid Masters 1000 this Friday, April 28. The game will be played at Manolo Santana Stadium.

Carlos Alcaraz vs Emil Ruusuvuori: Time by State in the US

ET: 10 AM
CT: 9 AM
MT: 8 AM
PT: 7 AM
*Estimated

How to watch Carlos Alcaraz vs Emil Ruusuvuori in the US

The game between Carlos Alcaraz and Emil Ruusuvuori in the second round of the 2023 Madrid Masters 1000 will be available to watch or live stream on Fubo (free trial) in the US. Tennis Channel is the other option.