Rafael Jodar reveals keys to challenging Jannik Sinner in Madrid | ATP Tour

Rafael Jodar

Jodar reveals keys to challenging Sinner in Madrid

Spaniard faces World No. 1 in QF

April 28, 2026

Rafael Jodar will play a kind of matches each participant goals of being aside of when he steps onto court docket on Wednesday. The Spanish #NextGenATP star will tackle World No. 1 Jannik Sinner for the primary time on the Mutua Madrid Open. With the assist of his residence crowd and the eye of your entire circuit, one of many ATP Tour’s brightest rising skills is about to tackle his largest problem but.

“It’s going to be very exciting to play Jannik for the first time, and to do so in my own city”, Jodar admitted, thrilled at his unbelievable alternative in the Manolo Santana Stadium. “I have to take it point by point.”

That consistency has been key for Jodar this week on the Caja Magica, the place he has managed to stare down more and more vital opponents. The Madrid native claimed his first Top 10 win towards Alex de Minaurdefeated Brazilian 19-year-old Joao Fonseca in an enormous generational conflict, and earned his place in his first ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final by beat Vit Kopriva.

“There’s a long way to go before we think about beating a World No. 1. But if I do things right and keep a good mindset, those chances might come,” Jodar stated. “I could be in with a chance to win the match. I need to do everything very well and focus on what has worked for me so far. All the opponents play at a high level, so you have to concentrate on what you do best.”

Wednesday’s expertise will maintain no surprises for Jodar, who will stand throughout the web from a four-time main champion. For the Madrid participant, will probably be a battle, but additionally an opportunity to measure the hole that also separates him from the elite stage on Tour.

“Jannik is a great player, you can see that in any of his matches,” Jodar said. “He’s very targeted and has an unlimited mentality. That helps him quite a bit. He’s obtained unbelievable pictures. If I would like to do properly tomorrow, I’ll have to play my best.”

Jodar has loved a formidable begin to the season, climbing to No. 34 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings thanks to some performances on court docket. In the opening months of 2026, the Spaniard has damaged new floor in his profession, together with his first match win at a serious and his first ATP Tour trophy. Now in Madrid comes the problem of doing tough issues for one of the best participant in the world.

“I’m expecting nothing less than a very tough match. I’ll try to give my best and learn a lot from this experience,” Jodar stated. “I want to go out there with the same mentality as in all my previous matches, with the confidence that I’ll have my chances if I do things right.”