MADRID – World No. 1 Jannik Sinner extended his winning streak to 21 matches on Wednesday, defeating 19-year-old Rafael Jodar 6-2, 7-6(0) in the quarter-finals of the Mutua Madrid Open. The victory secures Sinner’s place in the semi-finals and marks the first time he has reached this stage of the tournament.
Playing under the closed roof of Manolo Santana Stadium, Sinner overcame a determined effort from the local favorite, Jodar, who had recently captured his first tour title in Morocco. The Italian showcased a disciplined performance, breaking Jodar twice in the first set to establish a commanding lead.
The second set proved more challenging, with Jodar threatening to take a 4-2 advantage. However, Sinner demonstrated resilience, saving two break points to remain level at 3-3. He then saved three more break points, utilizing strong cross-court forehands and backhand winners to maintain his composure. Sinner ultimately prevailed in a tiebreak, winning 7-0.
“He pushed me to the limit,” Sinner said after the match, acknowledging Jodar’s strong performance. “He’s an incredible player. I tried to be ready as much as I could. But I’m incredibly happy. It was a very high quality match. I got a bit lucky in the second set, but also [had] a bit of experience. I’m obviously very happy to be in the semis here for the first time. It means a lot to me.”
This win is particularly notable as Sinner becomes the sixth player to reach the semi-finals of all nine ATP 1000 Masters tournaments, a testament to his consistent performance across the elite level of men’s tennis. The Madrid Open represents a crucial part of the clay court swing leading up to the French Open, and Sinner’s form is a clear indication of his ambitions for Roland Garros.
Jodar, despite the loss, has been enjoying a rapid ascent on the ATP Tour. His recent title win in Morocco highlighted his potential, and his performance against Sinner demonstrated he is capable of competing with the world’s best. The 19-year-old’s aggressive style and powerful groundstrokes posed a significant challenge to the top-ranked Sinner.
Sinner’s path to the final will now witness him face either Arthur Fils or Jiri Lehecka. Fils, the Barcelona champion, is currently on a nine-match winning streak, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling semi-final encounter. Sinner is aiming to become the first man in history to win five consecutive Masters 1000 crowns, having already secured titles in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte-Carlo.
The absence of Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner’s main rival, due to injury, has undoubtedly influenced the tournament landscape. However, Sinner has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and navigate challenging circumstances. His focus remains firmly on maintaining his winning momentum and adding another prestigious title to his growing collection.
For fans following the tournament, the semi-final matches will be a key indicator of form heading into the French Open. Sinner’s ability to adapt to the clay court conditions and overcome tough opponents will be crucial factors in his pursuit of a Grand Slam title. The Madrid Open is providing a valuable testing ground as players prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
The match against Jodar showcased Sinner’s all-around game, combining powerful serving with intelligent court coverage and a relentless competitive spirit. His ability to save break points, particularly in the second set, demonstrated his mental fortitude and his capacity to raise his level when it matters most.
Looking ahead, Sinner’s next match promises to be a compelling contest. Whether he faces Fils or Lehecka, he will need to maintain his high level of play and capitalize on his strengths to secure a place in the Madrid Open final. The tournament continues to deliver exciting tennis, and Sinner remains a central figure in the narrative.
The Madrid Open semi-finals are scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026. Fans can follow live updates and results on the official ATP Tour website and through various sports broadcasters.
What are your thoughts on Sinner’s performance? Do you think he can continue his winning streak and claim the Madrid Open title? Share your predictions in the comments below!
