The first Wednesday in Madrid is a day that the stars come out to play. Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka all made their 2017 debuts on a packed day of action that saw all three men pushed to the very limits.
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Novak Djokovic in flight. Photo: Getty Images
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Novak Djokovic was forced to dig deep against Nicolas Almagro, coming through 61 46 75. Photo: Getty Images
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Almagro led 3-0 in the decider before Djokovic mustered a comeback. Photo: Getty Images
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It was the world No.2s first win (and match) without a coaching team. Photo: Getty Images
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Rafael Nadal needed nearly three hours to dispatch Fabio Fognini, the Spaniard eventually winning 76(3) 36 64. Photo: Getty Images
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So often a thorn in Rafa’s side, Fabio Fognini pushed the Spaniard all the way in Madrid. Photo: Getty Images
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Nadal has now won eleven straight matches on clay in 2017. Photo: Getty Images
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Next week’s world No.1, Angelique Kerber, left the court in tears after withdrawing at 0-5 down in the second set against Genie Bouchard. Photo: Getty Images
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It’s been a big week for Bouchard, who beat nemesis Maria Sharapova in the second round, and presumptive world No.1 Angelique Kerber in the third to reach the quarterfinals. Photo: Getty Images
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When he’s on, he’s on. Benoit Paire is clearly up for it in Madrid, beating third seed Stan Wawrinka 75 46 62. Photo: Getty Images
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Wawrinka’s run of streaky form continued, going out in his first match in Madrid. Photo: Getty Images
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Kei Nishikori won a topsy turvey match with Diego Schwartzmann, coming through 16 60 64. Photo: Getty Images
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One of the tournament favourites, Simona Halep, was pushed to the wire against Sam Stosur, eventually winning 64 46 64. Photo: Getty Images
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Kristina Mladenovic made short work of Oceane Dodin, winning 62 61. Photo: Getty Images
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The Bryans’ are still bumping as they reached the third round in Madrid. Photo: Getty Images
