Zverev Overcomes Challenge from Navone, Stays Undefeated in Madrid Open Debuts
Third seed Auger-Aliassime and defending champion Ruud also advance
April 25, 2026
Thomas Coex/AFP via Getty Images
Alexander Zverev showcased his skills against Mariano Navone during the Mutua Madrid Open.
By Andy West
Alexander Zverev triumphed in his opening match at the Mutua Madrid Open after a challenging return on Saturday afternoon.
The second-seeded German player rallied back from a second-set setback to defeat Mariano Navone 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, extending his record to 9-0 in first-round matches at this prestigious clay ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Madrid. Zverev, seeking his third title here, struggled momentarily, losing serve twice in the second set, but he steadied himself for a well-deserved victory that lasted one hour and 43 minutes.
In it to win it 🎲
Two-time champion @AlexZverev battles through to reach the third round in Madrid. @MutuaMadridOpen | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/FYHFilxxRS
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 25, 2026
“The first set was nearly flawless, but I lost my focus entirely,” Zverev reflected. “In the second set, I played poorly, but that’s often the case in the first match of a tournament. I acknowledge I could have concentrated better, but the quality of play in the first and third sets was excellent—I need to build on that.”
In his inaugural duel against World No. 45 Navone, Zverev capitalized on four out of eight break points, according to Infosys ATP Stats. Impressively, he’s now 19-0 this season in matches where he has clinched the first set. Although he hasn’t lifted a trophy in 2026 yet, Zverev’s consistency has been remarkable, with five semi-final appearances in his last six tournaments. He currently ranks third in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, trailing only Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Having claimed the Madrid title in both 2018 and 2021, Zverev is eager to secure a third trophy at the Caja Magica, with his next match-up against Terence Atmane, who achieved a notable upset over 30th seed Ugo Humbert with a score of 7-6(3), 7-6(5).
“This tournament has its unique vibe,” Zverev noted regarding Madrid’s high-altitude conditions. “It’s a love-it-or-hate-it scenario since everything plays slightly differently here. The ball travels faster, and serves can be more impactful. Having won here twice, I’m motivated to add more titles to my resume. I truly enjoy competing in this environment.”
Both Felix Auger-Aliassime and defending champion Casper Ruud quickly joined Zverev in the third round. Auger-Aliassime, the third seed and 2024 finalist, dispatched qualifier Vilius Gaubas 6-3, 6-4. He will next face the promising 20-year-old Belgian Alexander Blockx, who turned heads with a victory over 28th seed Brandon Nakashima 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
On the other hand, Ruud showed calmness upon returning to the venue where he celebrated his biggest career triumph last year, as he swept past a struggling Jaume Munar 6-0, 6-1. The Norwegian 12th seed will now face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who outperformed his compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta with a score of 6-3, 6-3.
Additionally, Karen Khachanov and Jakub Mensik set the stage for a power-packed third-round clash after each secured straight-sets victories. The 13th-seeded Khachanov triumphed over Adam Walton 6-2, 6-3, while the 23rd seed Mensik defeated qualifier Martin Damm 6-3, 6-4.
The upcoming contest between Khachanov and Mensik marks their third encounter, following Khachanov’s wins in both the 2024 Doha final and their second-round clash in Indian Wells in 2025. The winner will meet Zverev or Atmane in the next round.
