Rising star Rafael Jodar sets up blockbuster Jannik Sinner clash at Madrid Open

TL;DR

Rafael Jodar, a 19-year-old Spanish tennis player, has reached the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open after defeating Vit Kopriva. He will face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a highly anticipated match.

Key points

Rafael Jodar is 19 years old and a rising tennis star.
He reached the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open.
Jodar defeated Vit Kopriva 7-5, 6-0.
He has won 12 of his last 13 matches on clay.
Jodar is filling the void left by injured Carlos Alcaraz.

Rafael JodarJannik SinnerMadrid OpenCarlos Alcaraz

Rafael Jodar, 19, was ranked outside the world’s top 500 a year ago (Getty)

Rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar continued his dream Madrid Open debut by setting up a blockbuster quarter-final with world No 1 Jannik Sinner.

The 19-year-old is attempting to fill the void left by the injured Carlos Alcaraz and defeated Vit Kopriva 7-5 6-0 to reach his first Masters quarter-final.

Jodar’s stunning rise has seen the Madrid local win 12 of his last 13 matches on clay, including a title in Marrakech and a run to the Barcelona semi-finals last week.

He was still ranked outside of the world’s top 200 in November but the teenager is now set to be seeded for the French Open and potentially inside the world’s top 30 by Monday.

Before then, he must attempt to end Sinner’s 20-match win streak at Masters events after the Italian defeated Britain’s Cameron Norrie earlier on Tuesday.

Jodar’s match against Kopriva was given top billing in Madrid, with Sinner moved to a morning slot to accommodate him, and they will take centre stage on Wednesday afternoon (3pm UK).

“Playing at home is always special and I’m super happy with how this week is going for me,” Jodar told Sky Sports. “It will be a great match. It will be my first time playing against Jannik so I hope I can give me best level.”

Jodar is the third Spanish teenager to reach the Madrid quarter-finals, following Rafael Nadal’s 2005 run and Alcaraz’s twice reaching the last-eight as a teenager in 2022 and 2023.

Q&A

Who is Rafael Jodar and what are his recent achievements?

Rafael Jodar is a 19-year-old Spanish tennis player who has won 12 of his last 13 matches on clay, including a title in Marrakech and a semi-final run in Barcelona.

What is the significance of Rafael Jodar's match against Jannik Sinner?

The match is significant as it marks Jodar's first Masters quarter-final and he is attempting to fill the void left by the injured Carlos Alcaraz.

How did Rafael Jodar perform in his match against Vit Kopriva?

Rafael Jodar defeated Vit Kopriva with a score of 7-5, 6-0 to advance to the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open.