Rafael Jodar edges Joao Fonseca in Madrid blockbuster | ATP Tour

Madrid

Jodar edges Fonseca in Madrid blockbuster

Spanish wild card continues dream run on residence soil

April 26, 2026

Rafael Jodar defeated Joao Fonseca on Sunday on the Mutua Madrid Open, profitable the primary chapter in what guarantees to be an exhilarating rivalry for years to return.

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 Prime 100 of the PIF ATP Rankings.

From the outset, a raucous Madrid crowd roared as each gamers unleashed giant cuts on the ball. The margins had been razor-thin all through the primary set, with 80 factors performed and every participant profitable 40. Nevertheless, Fonseca opened the tie-break with three forehand errors, a deficit he couldn’t get well from.

The Brazilian responded by breaking Jodar’s serve within the opening recreation of the second set and nailing a jaw-dropping forehand go within the third recreation. 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 relentless 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 pissed off Fonseca smashed his racquet in frustration after the second recreation. The Spanish wild card produced a excessive degree 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 resulting from a left calf damage. Looming within the quarter-finals is a possible assembly with World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

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