Jannik Sinner vs. Rafael Jodar preview—can Spain’s new star pull off the upset in Madrid?
Arthur Fils vs. Jiri Lehecka
As they rise in the rankings and go deeper into attracts, Fils and Lehecka are attending to know one another higher. They’ve already cut up a quarterfinal and a semifinal in 2026. Fils received 6-3, 6-3 in the Doha quarters; Lehecka received 6-2, 6-2 in the Miami semis.
The latter match might deserve an asterisk; Fils was coming off a marathon late-night win in his earlier match, 7-6 in the third over Tommy Paul. Since then, he has received a title in Barcelona, and made himself, at the very least in my thoughts, the prime risk to Sinner for the remainder of the clay season.
But whereas he would not have Fils’ flash, Lehecka’s personal regular enchancment cannot be ignored. He’s as much as No. 14, and he is simply straight-set to Top 10 opponent, Lorenzo Musetti.
Lehecka has an underrated serve, and is amongst the sport’s cleanest ball-strikers; the circumstances in Madrid would appear to be superb for him. Fils is the higher athlete, and hits the heavier ball. The distinction, because it typically does, might come all the way down to need and confidence. Fils reveals extra of it. That does not imply he has extra of it, however with a possible semifinal towards Sinner or Jodar looming, I’d wager on him to combat tooth and nail, and to carry a impartial crowd over to his facet. Winner: Fils
