Jannik Sinner Advances to Madrid Open Quarterfinals, Extends Win Streak to 20 in 2026

MADRID — World No. 1 Jannik Sinner secured his 20th consecutive victory of 2026 on Tuesday, defeating 19th-seeded Cameron Norrie 6-2, 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals of the Mutua Madrid Open. The win equals Sinner’s best-ever performance at the ATP Masters 1000 event and sets up a blockbuster clash with 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar, who also advanced to his first career Masters 1000 quarterfinal later in the day.

Sinner’s Dominant Run Continues

Sinner, who entered the match with an 18-0 record in 2026, extended his winning streak with a composed performance against Norrie. The Italian star broke serve twice in the opening set and maintained control throughout, closing out the match in just over 90 minutes on Manolo Santana Stadium.

“It’s quite unusual for me,” Sinner told Tennis TV about his rare 11 a.m. Local start time. “I don’t know the last time I played at 11. But for me, it doesn’t matter what time. I try to do my best.”

The early start was no accident. Tournament organizers scheduled Sinner first to allow his potential quarterfinal opponent, Jodar, extra recovery time after the Spaniard’s marathon third-round victory over João Fonseca concluded at nearly 1 a.m. On Monday morning.

Scheduling Controversy Boils Over

Sinner used his post-match press conference to criticize the Madrid Open’s scheduling practices, calling for adjustments to avoid late-night finishes that strain players’ physical and mental recovery.

“For me, there was a question if it would be me or Jodar to play at 4 [p.m.],” Sinner said. “But I think it’s right he plays at 4, because he finished very, very late. But at the same time, I feel like we need to develop some adjustments to the scheduling of the day. Two matches [starting] from 8 p.m. Is very late. Even though you have one day in between, it’s still very, very late. You finish at 1:30 a.m., and you need to eat, you need to have treatment, so it’s very late. But we try to adapt ourselves, our bodies, our minds.”

His comments echoed broader concerns in professional tennis about player welfare, particularly at high-profile events where television broadcasts and fan attendance often take priority over optimal match times.

Jodar’s Breakthrough Sets Up Dream Quarterfinal

While Sinner cruised past Norrie, Jodar delivered a statement performance of his own, dispatching Vit Kopriva 7-5, 6-0 in just 80 minutes to reach his first Masters 1000 quarterfinal. The 19-year-old Spaniard, who entered the tournament as a wild card, has now won 12 of his last 13 matches, including his maiden tour-level title in Marrakech last month.

“I am super happy with my level today and at this tournament,” Jodar said. “This proves special to play at home, in front of many people that I know and have come to support. I am super happy to play another match tomorrow.”

Jodar’s path to the quarterfinals included a first-round win over fellow teenager Joao Fonseca and a third-round upset of seventh-seeded Alex de Minaur. His red-hot form makes him one of the most dangerous unseeded players in the draw, and his quarterfinal against Sinner promises to be one of the most compelling matches of the tournament.

What’s Next for Sinner

Sinner’s victory extends his perfect start to 2026, but the real test begins now. The Italian has never won the Madrid Open, though he reached the semifinals in 2023. His quarterfinal against Jodar will be their first career meeting, and the young Spaniard’s aggressive baseline game could pose a unique challenge.

If Sinner advances, he would likely face either defending champion Carlos Alcaraz or fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev in the semifinals. Both players are in strong form, setting the stage for a potential final between the top two seeds.

Key Takeaways

• Historic Streak: Sinner’s 20-0 start to 2026 is the best of his career and the longest active winning streak on the ATP Tour.
• Scheduling Criticism: Sinner called for changes to Madrid’s late-night scheduling, citing the physical toll on players who finish matches after midnight.
• Teenage Phenom: Jodar, 19, is the sixth teenager this decade to reach a Masters 1000 quarterfinal, joining the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner himself.
• Quarterfinal Blockbuster: Sinner vs. Jodar will be their first career meeting, with the winner likely to face either Alcaraz or Rublev in the semifinals.

How to Watch

The Sinner-Jodar quarterfinal is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, with a start time of approximately 4 p.m. Local time (10 a.m. ET / 2 p.m. UTC). Coverage will be available on Tennis TV and select regional broadcasters.

What do you think about Sinner’s scheduling criticism? Should tournaments prioritize player recovery over late-night television slots? Share your thoughts in the comments below.