Madrid
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner showered praise on Spanish teenager Rafael Jódar after defeating the rising star in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open.
Sinner secured a 6-2, 7-6 (7-0) victory at the Caja Magica to end Jódar’s dream run in the tournament, but the Italian was quick to acknowledge the enormous potential of the 19-year-old Spaniard.
“What a player,” Sinner wrote on the on-court camera lens immediately after the match.
The top-ranked Italian said Jódar initially appeared nervous but gradually settled into the contest and showcased why many consider him one of the brightest young talents in world tennis.
“In the beginning he felt a little tension, which is normal. But after that it became a really good match,” Sinner said. “I maybe had a little more experience in the important moments, and that made the difference.”
Jódar has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past year. The Spaniard was ranked outside the top 600 just 12 months ago but entered the ATP top 100 in March after a string of impressive performances.
Earlier this month, he won his maiden ATP Tour title in Marrakech and later reached the semifinals in Barcelona. During the Madrid Open, Jódar also stunned higher-ranked opponents, including fifth seed Alex de Minaur.
Sinner revealed he had been closely following the Spaniard’s progress and even watched some of his earlier matches courtside.
“That’s one of the reasons why I went to watch him and also João Fonseca. They could be future opponents for many years,” Sinner explained.
The 24-year-old added that Jódar possesses “everything needed” to become one of the sport’s elite players but cautioned against placing excessive pressure on the teenager too early in his career.
“It’s important not to push him too much because expectations can become difficult mentally,” Sinner said.
The victory marked Sinner’s 21st consecutive win and secured his maiden semifinal appearance in Madrid. He will next face Arthur Fils, who extended his own winning streak to nine matches with victory over Jiří Lehečka.
Sinner is now aiming to become the first player to win five straight ATP Masters 1000 titles.
