MADRID — In a disappointing turn of events for Canadian tennis fans, both Félix Auger-Aliassime and Bianca Andreescu were eliminated from the Madrid Open on Friday, April 25, 2025. Auger-Aliassime, hailing from Montreal, faced off against Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the men’s tournament, where he succumbed to a straight-set defeat, losing 7-6 (7), 6-4. Meanwhile, Andreescu, representing Mississauga, Ontario, fell short against 10th seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, losing 6-3, 6-2.
Auger-Aliassime, seeded 18th and last year’s tournament runner-up, put up a strong fight, firing eight aces throughout the match. He also won an impressive 86 percent of his second-serve points. However, his performance was marred by three double faults, and he was broken once during the match. Most notably, he failed to convert any of his five break chances, which proved to be a critical factor in his early exit.
As for Cerundolo, he showcased his skills and will now advance to face ninth seed Daniil Medvedev in the third round, adding to the competitive nature of the tournament.
On the women’s side, Andreescu entered the match with hopes high after a solid opening round where she defeated American McCartney Kessler 6-2, 6-4. However, against Rybakina, she struggled to find her rhythm. Rybakina improved her career record against Andreescu to 3-0, demonstrating her dominance in their matchups. The Kazakh player defended all three break points she faced, two of which came in the final game, and won 80 percent of her first-serve points. On the return, Rybakina broke Andreescu three times out of nine chances, effectively controlling the match.
Andreescu’s return to WTA 1000 competition this week marked her first appearance after a six-month hiatus focused on her health. Despite the setback against Rybakina, her initial performance against Kessler suggested that she was regaining her form. The former U.S. Open champion’s journey in Madrid may have come to an end, but her resilience and determination remain evident as she continues to work her way back into competitive shape.
The Madrid Open, known for its challenging clay courts, has seen its share of surprises this year, and the early exits of both Canadian stars add to the unfolding drama. Fans will be watching closely as the tournament progresses, especially to see how Cerundolo fares against Medvedev in the next round.
As the dust settles on the second round, the focus now shifts to the remaining competitors, with players vying for the coveted title. The tournament continues to be a showcase of talent and athleticism, with many matches still to come that promise excitement and high stakes.
With Auger-Aliassime and Andreescu out of the tournament, the Canadian tennis community will be looking forward to their next opportunities to shine on the international stage. Both players have shown immense potential and skill, and their future matches will be closely followed as they aim to reclaim their positions among the sport's elite.
As the Madrid Open unfolds, fans can expect thrilling matches, unexpected twists, and the relentless pursuit of victory from the world’s best tennis players. The competition is fierce, and every match brings the possibility of new stories and standout performances that will define this year’s tournament.
Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the latest updates from the Madrid Open and beyond, celebrating the highs and lows of this exhilarating sport.
