TENNIS: Clinical Sinner holds off wildcard Jodar to reach Madrid Open semis

MADRID, Spain – World number one Jannik Sinner held off 19-year-old wildcard Rafael Jodar 6-2, 7-6(0) on Wednesday to reach the Madrid Open semi-finals, becoming only the sixth player to advance to the last four in all nine ATP Masters 1000 events.

Sinner saved five break points in a tense second set and won 11 consecutive points to close out the match against the Spanish teenager.

“He pushed me to the limit, he’s an incredible player. I’m incredibly happy. It’s been a very high-quality match,” Sinner said in his post-match interview.

The 24-year-old started strongly, breaking Jodar twice in the opening set to race to a 5-2 lead before sealing it with a powerful backhand winner.

Jodar, who claimed his first tour title in Morocco earlier this month, threatened an upset in the second set when he moved ahead 4-2. However, Sinner responded under pressure, saving two break points to level at 3-3.

Later in the set, a double fault from Sinner handed Jodar another opportunity, but the Italian held firm, saving three break points with a sharp crosscourt forehand and two backhand winners that clipped the sideline.

Although Sinner went up 40-15 in the following game, Jodar fought back again, saving three break points before holding serve.

In the tiebreak, Sinner raised his level decisively, dominating to seal victory with a forehand winner that Jodar could not return.

Sinner, who is chasing a second clay-court title this season after winning the Monte-Carlo Masters, will face either Arthur Fils or Jiri Lehecka in the semi-finals later on Wednesday. -Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters