The line-up for the quarter-finals at the Mutua Madrid Open Virtual Pro was decided on Tuesday. Among the 16 players still in with a chance of taking the title (8 ATP and 8 WTA) are none other than Andy Murray, Alexander Zverev and Kiki Bertens, the only players left that know what it feels like to win a crown in the Manolo Santana Stadium in person; now it seems they are keen to do so in the online edition as well.
The Scot, the 2008 and 2015 champion, showed off his skills with a PlayStation 4 controller as he dominated Group 1 with three wins. Murray beat Nadal 3-0 and Paire 3-1 to seal the leadership, while the Frenchman managed to beat the man who has won five titles in the Caja Mágica 3-1. The results mean that Nadal, alongside Shapovalov, misses the cut for the quarters.
Among the standout performances in the men’s competition is that Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has shown why, alongside Murray, he is the favourite. The Greek has not lost a single game, finishing with a 9-0 record in his first three encounters against Frances Tiafoe, Kei Nishikori and Fabio Fognini. It is the Italian who finished second in Group 3 to progress in the competition.
Diego Schwartzman came through the qualifying round as the leader of Group 2, where David Ferrer also earned himself a place in the quarters. In Group 4, David Goffin upset 2018 champion Alexander Zverev, 3-1, although both players are still standing in the tournament and will be fighting for a place in the semis on Wednesday. The German, like Murray, will bidding to become the first player to win on clay and in the virtual world.
ATP quarter-finals
Andy Murray vs Alexander Zverev
Diego Schwartzman vs Fabio Fognini
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs David Ferrer
David Goffin vs Benoit Paire
In the women’s competition, one of the standout players has been defending champion Kiki Bertens. The Dutchwoman proved she is just as skilful in the videogame as she is on court. She won all of her Group 4 matches with the same result, 3-0, against Angelique Kerber, Eugenie Bouchard and Donna Vekic, who also made it to the quarters.
In Group 1, French player Fiona Ferro was the surprise package as she strung together 3-0 wins. It is a similar streak to that of Sorana Cirstea, who has been winning the respect of all of her opponents. The Romanian advances as the winner of Group 2, ahead of Johanna Konta, who managed to knock out Victoria Azarenka and Elina Svitolina.
However, all eyes in the WTA draw are on the controller of Caroline Wozniacki. The Dane produced three consecutive victories to head Group 3, from which Bianca Andreescu also progressed.
WTA quarter finals
Fiona Ferro vs Donna Vekic
Sorana Cirstea vs Bianca Andreescu
Caroline Wozniacki vs Johanna Konta
Kiki Bertens vs Belinda Bencic
