MADRID.- The number one in the world, Jannik Sinneradvanced to the semifinals of the Madrid Masters 1000 this Wednesday after beating the young Spaniard Rafael Jodar by 6-2 and 7-6 (7/0).
Sinner will compete for a place in the final against the winner of the match between the French Arthur Fils and the czech Jiri Leheckawho were playing the last game of the day.
After eliminating the number nine in the world Alex de Minaur and the young Brazilian promise Joao Fonsecathe new sensation of Spanish tennis could not continue its progression.
Jódar was confident on Tuesday that he had a chance, but Sinner ended up imposing his experience and cold blood in a Caja Mágica closed due to the rain forecast in Madrid.
The Italian, who scored his twenty-first consecutive victory in 2026, remains in the race as a great favorite to win for the first time in Madrid, where they are not Carlos Alcaraz neither Novak Djokovic.
Sinner aspires to become the first tennis player to win five consecutive Masters 1000 after his victories in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo.
“It was a very close match. In the second set I was a little lucky at times and also the experience,” Sinner explained.
“I’m very happy for the match and, obviously, for being in the semifinals here for the first time,” he added.
Jódar, who achieved his best performance in a Masters 1000 with these quarters, held on to his serve in the first games of the first set.
The jewel held out until Sinner, who is looking for his first trophy in Madrid, broke his serve in the fifth game.
The Madrid native managed to save two break balls, but the Italian converted the third to go ahead 3-2 and consolidate the advantage with his serve.
Then Jódar collapsed, once again giving up his blank serve to let Sinner win the set with his serve.
“Come on, Rafa.”
The Italian began to appear more solid, adjusting to the lines against Jódar who received encouragement from a crowd that chanted “Let’s go, Rafa!”.
In the second set, the two tennis players were solid with their serve, despite the display of blows shown by both to try to surprise their rival.
Jódar did not manage to convert any of the six break point opportunities he had in the sixth and eighth games that could have put the game ahead.
The round ended in the tie-break, where Sinner left the Spaniard no chance.
