Rafael Jodar put up a decent fight against Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals of the Mutua Madrid Open on Wednesday afternoon, but Sinner was too good for the 19-year-old in the pressure-packed moments.
Sinner saved all seven of the break points he faced and dominated the second-set tiebreaker without losing a single point to defeat Jodar 6-2, 7-6(0). The world No. 1 advanced to the semis after one hour and 56 minutes, and he awaits either Jiri Lehecka or Arthur Fils on Friday.
Jodar generated a break-point opportunity in two different games in the first set and he twice had a golden chance to take a lead in set two. The Spaniard led 15-40 with Sinner serving at 2-3 and again at 3-4, earning a total of five break points during that stretch. However, he could not convert. The two players saved a total of eight break points in the second set before Sinner steamrolled through the ensuing tiebreaker.
“He pushed me to the limit,” Sinner commented. “He’s an incredible player. I tried to be ready as much as I could (for my) first time playing against him. For the next times (that) hopefully play against (each other), he knows what to expect; I know what to expect. But I’m incredibly happy — it has been a very high-quality match. I got lucky a bit in the second set, but also a little bit of experience (made the difference).
“Obviously (I’m) very happy to be the first time here in the semis. It means a lot to me.”
Sinner has now reached the semifinals of all nine Masters 1000 tournaments throughout his career. The Italian is already seeking his fourth Masters 1000 title in 2026 and his fifth in a row dating back to Paris last fall. He is coming off triumphs in Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte-Carlo.
Jodar will climb to No. 34 in the world on Monday.
nice one, Fox