Jannik Sinner showcased his remarkable abilities once again as he reached the semifinals of the Mutua Madrid Open, defeating Spain’s rising star Rafael Jodar in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6(0). This victory marks Sinner’s 21st consecutive win, enhancing his outstanding 2026 record to 28-2 and solidifying his reputation as a formidable force on the ATP tour.
The match, played in front of an enthusiastic Madrid crowd, saw Sinner handle break-point pressure with poise. He successfully saved all seven break points he faced, including critical moments in the sixth and eighth games of the second set. This resilience was essential as he navigated through a tense tiebreak, where his experience shone.
Sinner’s path to victory was not straightforward, especially as he found himself trailing 5-6 in the second set. However, he responded with impressive composure and seized control of the match by ripping through 11 consecutive points. “He pushed me to the limit, he is an incredible player,” Sinner remarked after the match, praising Jodar’s talent. “I got a bit lucky in the second set, but a bit of experience helped too. My first time in the semis here, so I’m very happy.”
With this win, Sinner continues his quest for a historic fifth consecutive ATP Masters 1000 title, having already clinched championships in Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte-Carlo this season. He is now just two victories away from adding Madrid to his impressive collection.
Sinner’s triumphant run also underscores his consistency at the Masters 1000 level, as he has reached the semifinal stage or better in all nine of these prestigious events since joining the tour. This achievement places him in elite company alongside the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Alexander Zverev.
For Jodar, despite his defeat, this performance against the top seed signals a bright future. The young Spaniard, who started the year ranked No. 896, has made a significant rise, now sitting at a career-high ranking of No. 34 following his strong showing in Madrid. His power and shot-making ability were evident as he attempted to challenge Sinner throughout the match, displaying why he is regarded as a top prospect.
Sinner’s next challenge in the semifinal will be against either the 11th-seed Jiri Lehecka or the 21st-seed Arthur Fils, as he aims to extend his winning streak and further solidify his status as the world No. 1. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await to see if he can continue his dominant run on the clay courts of Madrid.
