Madrid Masters 1000 2026: Cobolli stages comeback win, Paolini exits early
MADRID, April 25, 2026 — Flavio Cobolli rebounded from a first-set loss to defeat Camilo Ugo Carabelli in three sets at the Mutua Madrid Open on Saturday, securing his place in the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 event on red clay at the Caja Magica.
The Italian, ranked No. 13 in the world and making his tournament debut, lost the opening set 7-6(7) but responded strongly to win the next two sets 6-1, 6-4. The victory marks Cobolli’s first win at the Madrid Masters after reaching the final of the ATP 500 in Munich the previous week, where he fell to Ben Shelton.
Cobolli’s comeback was fueled by improved consistency and aggressive returning. After dropping serve early in the first set, he broke Carabelli twice in the second set and maintained pressure throughout the deciding set, converting two of three break points to close out the match.
Meanwhile, Luciano Darderi continued his strong start to the 2026 clay season with a straight-sets victory over Juan Manuel Cerundolo. The No. 18 seed won 6-1, 6-3, dominating with powerful forehands and exceptional court coverage. Darderi recorded 43 winners to Cerundolo’s 22 and won 78% of his first-serve points, avenging a 6-1 first-set loss to the same opponent at the Rio Open in February.
The win propels Darderi into the third round, where he will face Francisco Cerundolo, the older brother of Juan Manuel and No. 16 seed. Francisco advanced by defeating Yannick Hanfmann 6-1, 7-5 in the second round.
On the women’s side, Jasmine Paolini, Italy’s No. 1 player and world No. 7, suffered a disappointing exit in the second round. The reigning Italian champion lost to American qualifier Hailey Baptiste 5-7, 3-6, extending a difficult start to her 2026 season. Paolini had reached the final in Stuttgart earlier in April but has struggled to find consistency on clay this spring.
Baptiste, ranked No. 122 in the world, broke Paolini’s serve twice in the first set and twice in the second, capitalizing on unforced errors from the Italian. Paolini managed just 28 winners compared to Baptiste’s 36 and committed 18 unforced errors in the second set alone.
Cobolli’s next opponent will be No. 83 ATP Adolfo Vallejo, who upset No. 19 Learner Tien 6-4, 6-3 in the second round. Vallejo’s victory set up a third-round meeting with the Italian, who will look to build on his momentum from Munich and Saturday’s comeback win.
The Madrid Masters 1000, the second clay-court Masters 1000 event of the season, continues through May 3. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is scheduled to start his campaign on Monday, while Novak Djokovic received a first-round bye.
For continued updates on the tournament and the Italian contingent’s progress, follow official ATP and WTA communications.
Stay tuned to Archysport for comprehensive coverage of the Madrid Masters 1000 and all major tennis events throughout the 2026 season.
