Madrid
Sinner Stuns Rising Star Jodar to Secure Madrid SF Berth: ‘He Tested My Limits’
World No. 1 extends remarkable 21-match winning streak after conquering #NextGenATP challenge
April 29, 2026
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Jannik Sinner triumphs over Rafael Jodar in straight sets on Wednesday in Madrid.
By Jerome Coombe
In a thrilling matchup at the Mutua Madrid Open, Jannik Sinner faced off against the ATP Tour’s most promising newcomer, Rafael Jodar. The World No. 1 demonstrated his prowess with a decisive victory.
Under the electrifying atmosphere of the Manolo Santana Stadium, Sinner elevated his game to defeat the 19-year-old Jodar 6-2, 7-6(0), securing his spot in the semi-finals. With this one-hour and 55-minute match, where he saved all seven break points, Sinner extended his impressive winning streak to 21 matches and achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the semi-finals in every ATP Masters 1000 event.
“He pushed me to the limit,” Sinner remarked about Jodar. “He’s an extraordinary player. I did my best to prepare, and I’m thrilled with the outcome. It was a match of outstanding quality. I may have gotten a bit lucky in the second set, but experience played a role too. Being in the semis here for the first time means so much to me.”
Sinner’s next challenge awaits with a semi-final clash against either Barcelona champion Arthur Fils or Jiri Lehecka. Following his triumph in Paris last November and further victories in Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte-Carlo this year, he aims to make history as the first man to secure five consecutive Masters 1000 titles.
Jodar, who gained attention at last year’s Next Gen ATP Finals, has had a meteoric rise this season. After claiming his first ATP Tour title in Marrakech and advancing to the semi-finals in Barcelona and quarter-finals in Madrid, he exits the Spanish capital ranked No. 34 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, a dramatic leap from his start as World No. 168 this year.
While nerves seemed to take hold at the onset of his Madrid debut, the hometown hero swiftly regained his composure with decisive victories over Alex de Minaur and fellow 19-year-old Joao Fonseca. He entered his matchup with Sinner brimming with confidence, delivering an impressive display of forehand winners in a tightly contested beginning.
With former and current Real Madrid stars like Jude Bellingham, Thibaut Courtois, and Raul cheering from the VIP boxes, both players engaged in an intense battle from the baseline. However, it was Sinner, the top player in the PIF ATP Rankings, who showcased his trademark calmness and precision, winning three of four rallies that lasted over nine shots in the first set.
Though Jodar continued to exhibit flashes of brilliance in the second set, Sinner remained unshakeable, rising to the occasion when crucial moments arose. The 24-year-old Italian effectively neutralized Jodar’s momentum, saving all five break points faced during the set, according to Infosys ATP Stats, leading to a commanding victory over Jodar, whom he had praised as ‘incredibly talented’ prior to their encounter.
