Unmissable Moments from Madrid: Don’t Miss These Hot Shots!
Highlighting local favorite Jodar, doubles brilliance from Paul, and Cerundolo’s creativity!
April 29, 2026
Mutua Madrid Open
Lorenzo Musetti makes it to the fourth round in Madrid for the second time in a row.
By ATP Staff
The Mutua Madrid Open stands out during the European clay season, with the elevated altitude of the Spanish capital sparking fast-paced, thrilling tennis on the iconic red clay.
But how have the elite players been leveraging these swift conditions at the ATP Masters 1000? From stunning forehands to reflex volleys and spectacular around-the-net shots, ATPTour.com captures the best Hot Shots from the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open so far.
Jannik Sinner faced a break point against local star Rafael Jodar in the second set but showcased his brilliance with a clutch backhand winner, turning the tables. Jodar, who chased down a drop shot, found himself outmaneuvered when Sinner executed a sensational backhand pass.
Jodar made waves with his quarter-final run, relentlessly challenging Sinner in the second set and unleashing a fantastic forehand that left the Italian scrambling.
Casper Ruud was initially on the defensive in his fourth-round matchup against Stefanos Tsitsipas but delivered a magical lob to clinch the second set against the Greek standout. Showing resilience, Ruud saved two match points and ultimately triumphed in a thrilling three-set match.
Jiri Lehecka produced a jaw-dropping moment in his straight-sets victory over Lorenzo Musetti. Dashing for a wide ball, the Czech unleashed a stunning forehand, leaving the Italian stunned.
Francisco Cerundolo found himself in a tricky spot against Luciano Darderi but executed a brilliant piece of improvisation. When Darderi’s return grazed the net and bounced back toward him, Cerundolo reached across to deliver a feather-like touch, earning the point with finesse.
Lorenzo Musetti is finding his groove again at the Madrid Open after a rocky start to 2026. His one-handed backhand continues to dazzle, with impeccable winners shining through in his match against Tallon Griekspoor.
Tommy Paul kicked off the men’s doubles event in style with an incredible piece of instinctive play. Teaming up with fellow American Ethan Quinn, Paul astonished everyone by executing a remarkable around-the-net winner against Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic.
Jiri Lehecka faced Alejandro Tabilo in a gripping encounter, battling through three attempts to break through after Tabilo advanced to the net while set point down. Tabilo’s remarkable reflex volley had the crowd buzzing.
American sensation Ben Shelton kept the crowd electric during his match against Dino Prizmic. While fending off a break point, Shelton brilliantly responded with a half-volley drop shot that left his opponent in disbelief.
Daniel Merida fought back against Marco Trungelliti to secure his first main-draw victory at his hometown event. With two match points to save, Merida executed a stunning forehand from way out of bounds, earning applause from his opponent and the crowd alike as he secured an emotional win.
Yannick Hanfmann’s net exchange with Marcos Giron ended in one of the most unexpected winners of Day 2 in Madrid. The German countered Giron’s smash with a masterfully angled backhand slice that clinched the point.
The sight of #NextGenATP standout Rafael Jodar smashing forehand winners became a fan favorite this year in Madrid. His trademark shot was on full display as he defeated Jesper de Jong, claiming his first victory at the prestigious Masters 1000 event.
