'Sad for tennis' - Sinner reacts to Alcaraz withdrawal after advancing in Madrid

"That's very tough. It's sad for tennis, Carlos, defending champion, me being a competitor. It's sad news, so I wish him to recover as fast as possible, hopefully for Wimbledon," Sinner said after advancing at the Madrid Open on Friday.

The Italian was speaking after overcoming qualifier Benjamin Bonzi in three sets to reach the Round of 32 in the Spanish capital.

Sinner was pushed early on clay at Manolo Santana, losing a tight first-set tiebreak 7-6(6), but responded emphatically to take the next two sets 6-1, 6-4 and seal victory in his opening match of the tournament.

Bonzi edged the opening set after saving all five break points he faced, with the margins in the tiebreak proving decisive. Despite that setback, Sinner quickly reset and dominated the second set, breaking through repeatedly to level the match.

From there, the top seed remained in control, securing a single break in the decider and protecting his serve throughout to close out the contest.

Sinner's serving proved a key factor. He did not face a single break point in the match, held all 15 of his service games and struck 10 aces, while also winning a high percentage of points behind both his first and second serve.

His return game was equally effective, particularly in the second set where he won a significant share of points on Bonzi's delivery to wrestle momentum firmly in his favour.

Although Bonzi fought hard and saved five of the seven break points he faced, he was unable to maintain his level after the opening set, with Sinner's consistency on clay ultimately proving decisive.

READ MORE: IPL: Virat Kohli in sublime form as RCB overcome Gujarat Titans