Andrey Rublev brought a halt to a painful loss streak lasting for nearly two months as he reached the third round of the Madrid Masters on Friday 6-1, 6-4 over Argentine Facundo Bagnis on Friday.
Rublev last won a match on March 8 in Indian Wells before losing his next four – including his first two of the season on clay.
The world No. 8 advanced with 24 winners and 10 unforced errors in the 90-minute second-round win.
“I played a good match, especially being in completely different conditions compared to other tournaments,; I played a good level,” he said.
He added: “This week I started to feel more relaxed. I’ve been practising well and the mood was different since I arrived here.
“I had the feeling I should win one match at least.”
