Jannik Sinner Ends Rafael Jodar’s Run, Reaches First Madrid Open Semifinal

Sinner stops spanish teen Jodar to complete set of Masters 1000 semifinals

Jannik Sinner beat teen Rafael Jodar 6-2, 7-6(0) in Madrid to reach his first semifinal there and complete the set at all nine Masters 1000s.

Jannik Sinner extended his win streak to 21 matches, beating home favorite Rafael Jodar in Madrid. He faces Lehecka or Fils next...

Jannik Sinner ended home favorite Rafael Jodar’s inspired run with a 6-2, 7-6(0) win at the Madrid Open on Wednesday, making him the latest player to reach the semifinals at all nine Masters 1000 events.

 

The 19-year-old Jodar has been a breakout star this clay season, capturing his first ATP title in Marrakech, reaching the semifinals in Barcelona and the quarterfinals in Madrid before the world No. 1 ended his run at the Caja Mágica.

A year ago, Jodar was playing college tennis for the University of Virginia and ranked 687 in the world. He’ll break into the top 35 when the new rankings come out Monday.

Sinner was pushed hard before stretching his current winning streak to 21 straight matches.

The world No. 1 will play Jiri Lehecka or Arthur Fils in Friday’s semifinal.

“He pushed me to the limit. He's an incredible player. I tried to be as ready as I could. It was the first time playing against him,” Sinner said.

 

"I'm incredibly happy. It was a very high-quality match. I got a bit lucky in the second set, but a little bit of experience helped too. So I'm very happy about today's match and obviously very happy to be in the semis here for the first time. It means a lot to me.”

The 6-2 first-set score doesn’t tell the full story. Sinner was pushed hard by a young opponent who matched his power, especially off the forehand side.

Nothing but respect 🤝@janniksin @MutuaMadridOpen pic.twitter.com/xXR4e5lzHG

— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 29, 2026

The Italian was tested in several service games, including a marathon at 2-2, and had to save two break points before closing out the set in 44 minutes.

Fueled by rowdy home support that included several Real Madrid stars, past and present, Jodar escaped trouble early in the second set and kept pressure on Sinner’s serve.

 

But despite his best efforts, Jodar couldn’t convert any of his five break chances as Sinner held to level at 4-4.

  

The set went to a tiebreak, which Sinner dominated. He reeled off the last 11 points of the match to reach his first Madrid semifinal.