Rafael Jodar sets Jannik Sinner Madrid blockbuster, reaches first Masters 1000 QF | ATP Tour
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Jodar sets up a Sinner Madrid blockbuster, reaching the first Masters 1000 QF
The 19-year-old Spaniard is the sixth teenager to advance to the Masters 1000 QF this decade.
April 28, 2026
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Rafael Jodar working on Tuesday in Madrid.
Written by Sam Jacot
Rafael Jodar advanced to the quarter-finals of an ATP Masters 1000 event for the first time on Tuesday at the Mutua Madrid Open, where he dispatched Vit Kopriva 7-5, 6-0 to set up a first meeting with the World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
The 19-year-old Spaniard is the sixth teenager to reach the last eight at a Masters 1000 event this decade, and is the fourth wild card to reach this stage in the history of the Madrid tournament.
“I am very happy with my level today and in this tournament,” said Jodar. “It’s important to play at home, in front of a lot of people I know and come to support them. I’m really excited to play another game tomorrow.
“This is another opportunity. I will have to recover well and prepare for the game as best as I can, as it will be another difficult game.”
Sporting a red ball, Jodar has beaten enemies in the past month. The 19-year-old has won 12 of his last 13 matches, lifting his first tour trophy in Marrakech and advancing to the semi-finals at the ATP 500 in Barcelona.
The Teenage Masters 1000 has reached the quarter-finals this decade
In Madrid, Jodar got his first Top 10 victory against Alex de Minaur, beat Joao Fonseca in a battle between two 19-year-old stars and defeated Jesper de Jong. The 19-year-old needed just 80 minutes to beat Kopriva at the sun-drenched Manolo Santana Stadium on Tuesday.
Former University of Virginia player Jodar saved both break points he faced against Kopriva and beat the Czech with the relentless hitting that fans have become accustomed to seeing since the Spaniard competed at the Next Gen ATP Finals last December.
Jodar, currently No. 34 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, will next meet Sinner, who is aiming to become the first man in history to win back-to-back Masters 1000 crowns. The Italian defeated Cameron Norrie in the fourth round earlier on Tuesday and is excited about the first Lexus ATP Head2Head match with Jodar.
“It would be great if I face him before Rome and Roland Garros,” said Sinner. “Here are unique conditions. He’s from Madrid, so he’s very used to these conditions here… It’s very exciting, a new player. He has great, great talent. Let’s see what’s coming.”
Jodar will face Sinner no earlier than 4 pm local time on Wednesday.
Did you know?
Jodar is the third young Spaniard to reach the quarter-finals in Madrid, joining Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.
