Rafael Jodar issues challenge, Jannik Sinner has his sights set on young Spaniard

Rafael Jodar’s magical moment continues: the winner of the Marrakech tournament, who already surprised more than one fan in Barcelona by reaching the semifinals, has gained access to the quarterfinals of the Madrid Masters 1000 where he will face the world number one, Jannik Sinner.

Who is Rafael Jodar, the heir of Carlos Alcaraz who now challenges Jannik Sinner

The young tennis player born right in the Spanish capital in fact beat 7-5, 6-0 the Czech Vit Kopriva, confirming the more than good impressions aroused on the fast clay of the Caja Magica in the previous rounds against Jesper de Jong, Alex de Minaur and Joao Fonseca. The match between Sinner and Jodar will be played on Wednesday, in the afternoon.

Sinner himself had a chance to talk to reporters about his upcoming opponent in the hallways of the facility hosting the Spanish Masters 1000. “In the hotel I had managed to review his entire match with Fonseca: he plays at a really high level,” said the phenom from Sesto Pusteria. “He is a player of great quality and I am convinced that we will cross paths often in the future.”

“Facing him already here will be useful, also to understand the sensations in view of important appointments such as Rome and Roland Garros. For my part, I will do everything to arrive ready,” Jannik then confirmed, well aware that it will not be easy to face the home idol, who at least up to this point of the competition has not made Carlos Alcaraz, absent due to injury, regret it.

Sinner had beaten Norrie in the morning: precisely the start time of his own match and those of his potential opponents, however, did not convince the Azzurro, who in the hot commentary after the victory against the Briton had let himself go to a not too veiled criticism. I don’t mind having had to get up early to play this match – his words – but to play two matches after 8 p.m. is too late. You run the risk of finishing past midnight, and this, inevitably, forces us to modify our preparation according to the schedule.”