Story perspectives

Sinner Joins Elite, Reaches All Nine Masters Semis

4/30/2026

Summary

Sinner Reaches Semi-Finals

Jannik Sinner defeated Rafa Jodar 6-2, 7-6(0) in one hour and 55 minutes to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 Madrid Open.
The victory makes him the sixth player since 1990 to reach the semi-finals of all nine ATP Masters 1000 events, joining Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Alexander Zverev.
Earlier in the tournament Sinner beat Cameron Norrie 6-2, 7-5 to advance to the quarter-finals.

Summary

Jodar Qualifies Masters

Rafael Jodar, 19, earned a spot in the Madrid Masters 1000 by winning two qualifiers.
After three hard-court Challenger titles in 2025, he rose to a career-high No. 42 ATP ranking.
He left University of Virginia tennis a year ago to turn pro and debuted on the ATP Tour at the 2026 Miami Open, reaching the third round before losing to Facundo Etcheverry.

Summary

**Sinner Decries Schedule**

Jannik Sinner said Madrid’s night schedule, with matches from 8 pm past 1 am, hurts players’ rest.
After his 1 am win, Sinner stays up until 4-5 am for press, treatment and eating.
Jodar’s quarter-final drew Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham and several Chelsea players.
Defending champion Casper Ruud saved two match points to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7 (4) 7-6 (2) 7-6 (3).
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka lost to 30th-seed Hailey Baptiste 2-6 6-2 7-6 (6).

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Sinner Reaches Semi-Finals

Jannik Sinner defeated Rafa Jodar 6-2, 7-6(0) in one hour and 55 minutes to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 Madrid Open.
The victory makes him the sixth player since 1990 to reach the semi-finals of all nine ATP Masters 1000 events, joining Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Alexander Zverev.
Earlier in the tournament Sinner beat Cameron Norrie 6-2, 7-5 to advance to the quarter-finals.

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