Madrid
Jodar cuts Fonseca in Madrid blockbuster
Spain’s wild card continues its dream run on home soil
April 26, 2026
Thomas COEX / AFP via Getty Images
Rafael Jodar is into his first ATP Masters 1000 round.
Written by Grant Thompson
Rafael Jodar defeated Joao Fonseca on Sunday at the Mutua Madrid Open, winning the first chapter in what promises to be an exciting rivalry for years to come.
Jodar defeated the 27th seed 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-1 in a much-anticipated third-round clash that featured the only teenager among the Top 100 of the PIF ATP Rankings.
From the start, the tumultuous Madrid crowd roared as both players unleashed huge blows on the ball. Margins were tight throughout the first set, with 80 points played and each player winning 40. However, Fonseca opened the break with three early mistakes, a deficit he never recovered from.
The Brazilian responded by breaking Jodar in the opening game of the second set and nailing a jaw-dropping pass in the third game. Fonseca sharpened his performance as both players battled for control early in the rallies. The night’s conflict was defined by reel-to-reel shooting and the ongoing battle for dominance in the underlying trade.
Jodar scored the first decision with an early break and eventually extended his lead to 5-0. A frustrated Fonseca slammed his racquet in frustration after the second game. The Spanish wild card produced a dominant performance throughout the third set to reach the fourth round of an ATP Masters 1000 event for the first time.
Next up for Jodar is Vit Kopriva, who won after his rival Arthur Rinderknech retired before they started the deciding set. Rinderknech was unable to continue due to a left calf injury. Reaching the quarter-finals a possible meeting with World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
More to follow…
