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Madrid
Jodar edges Fonseca in Madrid blockbuster
Spanish wild card continues dream run on house soil
April 26, 2026
Thomas COEX / AFP by way of Getty Pictures
Rafael Jodar is into his first ATP Masters 1000 fourth spherical.
By Grant Thompson
Rafael Jodar defeated Joao Fonseca on Sunday on the Mutua Madrid Open, successful the primary chapter in what guarantees to be an exciting rivalry for years to come back.
Jodar overcame the twenty seventh seed 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-1 within the extremely anticipated third-round conflict that includes the one youngsters contained in the High 100 of the PIF ATP Rankings.
From the outset, a raucous Madrid crowd roared as each gamers unleashed massive cuts on the ball. The margins have been razor-thin all through the primary set, with 80 factors performed and every participant successful 40. Nevertheless, Fonseca opened the tie-break with three forehand errors, a deficit he couldn’t get better from.
The Brazilian responded by breaking Jodar’s serve within the opening sport of the second set and nailing a jaw-dropping forehand move within the third sport. Fonseca sharpened his serving efficiency whereas each gamers battled for early management in rallies. The late-night conflict was outlined by highlight-reel shotmaking and a continuing battle to realize authority in baseline exchanges.
Jodar struck first within the decider by incomes an early break and ultimately stretching his result in 5-0. A annoyed Fonseca smashed his racquet in frustration after the second sport. The Spanish wild card produced a excessive stage all through the third set to succeed in the fourth spherical of an ATP Masters 1000 occasion for the primary time.
Up subsequent for Jodar is Vit Kopriva, who superior after his opponent Arthur Rinderknech retired earlier than they started a deciding set. Rinderknech was not capable of proceed attributable to a left calf harm. Looming within the quarter-finals is a possible assembly with World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Extra to observe…
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