Article by Luminița Paul – Published on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 20:00 / Updated on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 20:07
Jannik Sinner (24, ATP No. 1) cruised past Rafael Jodar (19, World No. 42) 6-2, 7-6 (0) in the quarter-finals of the Masters 1000 in Madrid in front of a packed Caja Magica. In the end, he appreciated the evolution of his young opponent.
“It will be very interesting to play with Jannik for the first time and more so to do so in my city“, said Rafael Jodar before an eagerly awaited match in Madrid. The new young prodigy that Spain offers to world tennis against the ATP leader, who is going through consecutive weeks of gold and crystal.
Jannik Sinner celebrating the victory in the “quarters” in Madrid Photo: Mutua Madrid Open
And they played, in front of a large support, on the Manolo Santana Central Court, with famous figures in the stands, from Riverthe former great hero of Real, to a current star, Jude Bellinghamin the middle being a strong passion for tennis of thousands of spectators. But also curiosity, in this case.
Sinner controlled the first set, winning it with 6-2 in front of Jodar, who has impressively accelerated since the start of the clay season. First the title in Marrakech, then the semi-finals in Barcelona plus these three related victories at the Mutua Madrid Open, among the losers being Alex de Minaur and João Fonseca.
Jannik Sinner, first act controlled in “quarters”
An act that lasted though 45 minutesa sign that it was a battle, there were long games, those on the service of the Iberian. Rafa had started with some impressive forehand winners, but immediately had to save two break points at 1-1then getting one in turn on the next return range. But he eventually gave up his serve, but again threatened in the straight game.
Rafael Jodar in action in Madrid Photo: Mutua Madrid Open
Jannik responded once more aggressively on the Spaniard's serve, break to zero, a strong message sealed by a white game for 6-2. His precise playing, as if drawn on a drawing board with the best instruments, was accompanied by speed and consistency.
Message captured, but in his own language by the new Rafa, who continued to impress in the second set. A much tighter one with a more passionate plot. Faced with five break points from the opponent, the world leader removed them all from his path. Once again, his experience and unique way of focusing in difficult moments helped him stay there, shoulder to shoulder with the opponent.
Jannik Sinner on the opponent: “What a player!”
Just to be able to show off the perfect, relentless, almost surgical tie-break won with 7-0 in front of an opponent he labeled before the match as “very talented“. An opinion that remained unchanged even after the direct clash, since he wrote on the camera something flattering about Jodar and not about his triumph: “What a player” (What a player).
Keeping it classy 🤝@janniksin with some high praise for Jodar #MMOpen pic.twitter.com/iE8IokLMZi
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 29, 2026
In fact, the world leader was in the stands at Rafa Jodar's match with Alex de Minaur, interested in seeing the Iberian play up close. Then he faced and prevailed, extending an extraordinary streak that may take him to a record never seen before: to conquer five Masters 1000 titles in a row.
The series began in Paris 2025 and continued in 2026 with Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo. Madrid is close, Rome is next.
Rafa pushed me to the limit. He is an incredible player. It was the first time I met him. Next time, I already know what to expect – Jannik Sinner
In the semifinals, the Italian will face the winner of the match Arthur Fils – Jiri Leheckaalso scheduled for Wednesday, April 29.
