The Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro lifted its curtain today and found out which stars from the professional tour are also handy with a PlayStation 4 controller. Diego Schwartzman, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Sorana Cirstea and Caroline Wozniacki were the players to watch on the opening day, after winning both matches they played on Monday.
The Argentinian Schwartzman opened the event in the Manolo Santana Stadium with a close-fought win over David Ferrer (4-3[4]), who has returned to the tour to help out with this charity initiative. Shortly afterwards, he was back on the Caja Mágica’s centre court for a convincing 3-1 win over John Isner to put himself at the top of Group 2.
For his part, Greek player Tsitsipas did not disappoint as he looked unbeatable with two 3-0 victories over the Italian Fabio Fognini and Japanese player Kei Nishikori. The results mean he is guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals. In Group 4, David Goffin and Alexander Zverev picked up one win each against Lucas Pouille, both 3-1.
Finally, Rafa Nadal and Andy Murray are leading Group 1. The Spaniard came through a tough challenge to beat Denis Shapovalov 4-3(3), while the Scot was less troubled by Benoit Paire, 3-1.
In the women’s competition, Romanian player Cirstea was the day’s surprise package; she required just 3 minutes to defeat Johanna Konta 3-0 in her opener and, shortly afterwards, she bounced back from 0-2 down against Elina Svitolina and saved three match points to eventually win 4-2 and seal her place at the pinnacle of Group 2.
Danish player Wozniacki was also unstoppable on the first day, coming through both of her matches to lead Group 3. First, she ended the hopes of Kristina Mladenovic, 4-2, and then breezed past the Canadian Bianca Andreescu 3-0.
The Mutua Madrid Open’s defending champion Kiki Bertens was back to winning ways in the Manolo Santana Stadium. This time against Angelique Kerber, 3-0, to take the initiative in Group 4. Finally, Fiona Ferro tops Group 1 after seeing off Karolina Pliskova 3-0. Belinda Bencic, who beat Carla Suárez 3-1, lies in second.
