Jannik Sinner came back from a first-set tiebreak loss to defeat Benjamin Bonzi 6-7(6), 6-1, 6-4 on Friday at the Caja Mágica. The Italian, chasing a fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title, also weighed in on Carlos Alcaraz's injury withdrawal: "Tennis is a much better sport when he's around."
The 19-year-old Spanish wildcard, fresh off his Marrakech title, dispatched the world No. 8 in straight sets — the upset of the tournament so far.
The two-time Madrid champion confirmed an arm injury will keep him out of the Spanish capital and the rest of the European clay swing.
The Croatian qualifier knocked out the No. 4 seed in three sets, marking another seed casualty in a tournament increasingly defined by upsets.
A deep run in Madrid would push Sinner's cushion over Alcaraz beyond 1,500 points, making him essentially uncatchable until summer.
The Spanish star received the honor at the Laureus Awards in Madrid, with Aryna Sabalenka taking the women's award.