The Japan Times - Zverev, Sabalenka battle through in Madrid Open, Rublev defence over

The Spaniard, roared on by the partisan home crowd, broke in the first and third games to claim the first set with ease.

Zverev fought to get back on serve after falling a break behind at the start of the third, and saved two break points in the ninth game which would have left Davidovich Fokina serving for the match.

The German won the tie break and was stronger in the third set, breaking for a 5-4 lead.

However serving for the match, Zverev was broken to love by the in-form Davidovich Fokina, ranked 29th, but it was his last hurrah as the top seed dominated the second tie-break.

"The first set wasn't my best tennis, but in sport it can change very quickly, I was down a set and a break but I kept fighting and I'm very happy for the win," Zverev told TVE.

"It was a very tough win... Alex was playing unbelievable tennis, the best tennis of his life and I am happy I am through."

The two-time Madrid champion will face Francisco Cerundolo or Francisco Comesana in the last 16, depending who emerges triumphant from the all-Argentine battle.

Earlier Andrey Rublev's Madrid Open title defence hit the rocks in a defeat by Alexander Bublik.

Bublik beat Rublev 6-4, 0-6, 6-4 for his 10th win over a top 10 player, although the Russian is set to sink to 17th after his surprise exit in the Spanish capital.

Kazakh Bublik, ranked 75th, secured a break in the first game of the deciding set and held on to his advantage.

He will face American Ben Shelton, seeded 12th, or Jakub Mensik in the last 16.

On Saturday record 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic crashed out, while home favourite Carlos Alcaraz pulled out injured earlier in the week.

- Sabalenka safe -

In the women's draw last year's defeated finalist Aryna Sabalenka fought back to beat Elise Mertens and reach the last 16.

Women's world number one Sabalenka progressed 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 against Belgian Mertens, ranked 26th.

"It was one of those days I didn't feel my best I got super emotional in the beginning of the first set, with myself in a tough situation," the Belarusian told TVE.

"I'm really happy I was able to bring such a high level in the second and third set."

She will face Peyton Stearns or Rebeka Masarova in the fourth round.

Sabalenka lost a gripping final against Iga Swiatek in Madrid last year, and the Pole also eased into the last 16 on Saturday, offering hope of a repeat.

"I'm trying to take it step by step and I really hope to make it to the final and take revenge," added Sabalenka.

There were surprise eliminations for world number three Jessica Pegula and Jasmine Paolini.

Japan's Moyuka Uchijima, ranked 56th, earned the biggest win of her career with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over the American, breaking her serve on five occasions.

Italian world number six Paolini was defeated in straight sets by Maria Sakkari, 6-2, 6-1.

The Greek, ranked 82nd, secured her first top 10 win in over a year with a confident display as she surges back into form, leaving Paolini to recompose herself ahead of the Italian Open.

K.Inoue--JT