Spaniards sting: "Jannik Sinner finds a surprise ally"

The anticipation is growing for the challenge between Jannik Sinner and the new talent of Spanish tennis, Rafael Jodar. The 19-year-old Iberian who has exploded in recent weeks will have the crowd on his side against the world number one, who will have to raise his level to continue his impressive string of consecutive wins in Masters 1000s.

Meanwhile, the Spanish press is prodding the Azzurro: according to Marca Sinner could benefit from an “unexpected advantage.” In fact, weather forecasts indicate possible rain over the Spanish capital in the next few hours, and if they prove correct, the match at the Caja Magica will be played with the roof.

“The roof is a surprise ally for Sinner,” writes Marca. “Of his 27 professional titles, 10 have been won indoors , where he has won 91 of his 112 matches, with a success rate of 81.3 percent. Jodar, on the other hand, has “played four indoor matches in his career, with a record of two wins and two losses.”

The match is scheduled for today, Wednesday, April 29, no earlier than 4 p.m. at Manolo Santana Stadium and will be broadcast by Sky Sports and streamed on SkyGo, NOW TV and Tennis Tv platforms. For Sinner, this is a date with history: the South Tyrolean goes in the hunt for a fifth consecutive Masters 1000, a feat no player has ever managed to accomplish in the past. Before making it to the quarters, the Azzurro overcame in order Bonzi, Dane Moller and Cameron Norrie, the latter beaten with a clear 6-2 7-5 in one hour and 26 minutes.

Sinner made no secret of his esteem for his next opponent, having carefully studied his game: “In the hotel I had managed to review his entire match with Fonseca: he plays at a really high level. He is a player of great quality and I am convinced that we will cross paths often in the future.” The South Tyrolean added how this quarterfinal can have a value beyond the simple result: “Facing him already here will be useful, also to understand the feelings in view of important appointments like Rome and Roland Garros. For my part, I will do everything to arrive ready.”