We talk Madrid champions and controversies and look ahead to Rome—and to whether Swiatek and Djokovic may give us another plot twist before Paris.

Also: Jan-Lennard Struff soars to a new career-high, the battle for No. 1 heats up on both the ATP and WTA rankings, and American Taylor Townsend breaks into the Top 10 in doubles.

Carlos Alcaraz has successfully defended his Madrid Open title with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win over lucky loser Jan-Lennard Struff to pave the way to recovering his world No. 1 ranking

The Spaniard battled past Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, to reign again in the Spanish capital.

With Day 1 of Roland Garros three weeks away, No. 1 seeds Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz are demonstrating what makes them both leading contenders.

The German may be one of the few guys who can make a match with Alcaraz at the Caja Magica a competitive affair, but will he topple the home favorite?

The defending champion, fellow 2022 Masters 1000 title holder, qualifier and lucky loser make up the quartet of men in action Friday.

Until Tuesday, just 15 lucky losers had made the final eight on the 1000 stage—and none in the same draw.

Two-time defending champ Tsitsipas is the lone competitor left to hold a clay-court Masters crown, while quarters between Musetti-Sinner and Rublev-Struff feature players seeking their biggest ATP breakthrough.

The Canadians will next take on Italy, who surprised the United States in the other quarterfinal tie of the day.