On cloud nine, Monteiro topples Tsitsipas in Madrid!

What a sensation from the Caja Magica!

Thiago Monteiro, 118th in the world and a qualifier, achieved the improbable. Facing Stefanos Tsitsipas, winner in Monte-Carlo and finalist in Barcelona, the Brazilian pulled off one of the feats of the season (6-4, 6-4).

Author of an exceptional performance (90% first ball, 24 winners, 4 unforced errors), the 29-year-old left-hander perfectly mastered a good Tsitsipas. Perfectly in control of his nerves (saving a break point when serving for the match), Monteiro never gave up.

For the world No. 7, it's a major setback after two excellent tournaments. He'll need to refocus quickly, as Rome and the French Open are just around the corner.

For Monteiro, given the titanic level of play he displayed on Saturday, anything is now possible. In the next round, it will be a question of confirming against the winner of the match between Lehecka and Medjedovic.