Jannik Sinner continued his quest for a fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title with a testing win over Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar at the Madrid Open.
Taking on the 19-year-old for the first time, Sinner sealed a 6-2, 7-6(0) win over the home player at the Caga Magica. The world No.1 was matched shot-by-shot early on before pulling away to take the first set with the help of a series of mistakes from his much more inexperienced rival. Jodar, who was bidding to become the first player born in 2006 to reach the last four of a Masters event, had never faced a world No.1 player until today.
Despite the gap in experience, Sinner continued to be put under pressure during the second frame. In two consecutive service games, he had to save multiple break points. Then at 4-4, he failed to convert a trio of his own break point opportunities. Nevertheless, the Italian ended up storming to victory by winning the last 11 points played.
“I already knew before the match that it’s going to be very tough, especially here (in Madrid). He’s from here and he knows exactly how to play in these conditions,” Sinner told Sky Sports Tennis.
“At the same time, I got a little bit more experience in the second set, got a bit lucky at times, but I tried to keep the level as high as I could.
“I missed a couple of easy shots, but this is tennis, and I’m happy with how I ended the match.”
In the absence of Carlos Alcaraz, home fans have been focusing on Jodar and his rapid rise. He is currently ranked 42nd in the world after starting 2026 outside the top 200. So far in this clay swing, Jodar has won his first title in Marrakech, reached the semi-finals of the Barcelona Open and recorded his first top-10 win in Madrid against Alex de Minaur.
“He’s an incredible player,” Sinner said of the teenager.
“Spain has one more incredible player. It’s great for the sport.”
It is the first time in Sinner’s career that he has reached the semi-finals in Madrid, which until now was the only Masters event where he hasn’t reached this stage. He has now won 26 consecutive matches at Masters 1000s, dropping only two sets in 54 played.
Despite the Italian’s dominance, there is always room for improvement. In the next round, he will play either Arthur Fils or Jiri Lehecka.
“I played well, but maybe I could have changed the return position a little bit before,” he admits.
“These are small details, but what can help me for the rest of the tournament.
“I’m very happy to be here. I’m trying to keep my energy as high as possible.”
The other section of the men’s draw will play their quarter-finals matches on Thursday. Defending champion Casper Ruud will take on Alexander Blockx, and second seed Alexander Zverev faces Flavio Cobolli.
