Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Jodar Upsets de Minaur, Eyes Top-40 Rise

4/29/2026

27 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Jodar Advances

Rafael Jodar defeated Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-1 to reach the Madrid Open round of 16.
He rose from world No. 896 a year ago to No. 42, qualified for the Australian Open in Melbourne, and could reach No. 34 after Madrid.
He captured his first ATP title in Marrakech on clay without dropping a set, raising his first-serve points won to 74.5 %.

Summary

Alcaraz Withdraws

Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the clay season because of a wrist injury.
Jannik Sinner urged reforms after Jodar’s match finished near 1 a.m., saying late finishes harm players.
The 2025 ATP rule now bars matches from starting after 11 p.m. without special approval.
Organisers set Jodar’s fourth-round at 4 p.m., giving him an 11 a.m. quarter-final for Jannik Sinner and leaving him one spot shy of a Roland Garros seed after Carlos Alcaraz’s exit.

History

Historical Context

The ATP launched its season-ending championship in 1970, evolving into the ATP Finals with a round-robin format that can grant an undefeated champion 1,500 points and $5,071,000 in 2025. Novak Djokovic’s record seven titles illustrate the elite players whose demanding schedules have spurred ongoing discussions about match-time regulations on the tour.

1 of 3

Jodar Advances

Rafael Jodar defeated Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-1 to reach the Madrid Open round of 16.
He rose from world No. 896 a year ago to No. 42, qualified for the Australian Open in Melbourne, and could reach No. 34 after Madrid.
He captured his first ATP title in Marrakech on clay without dropping a set, raising his first-serve points won to 74.5 %.

1 / 3