Madrid Open: Anastasia Potapova becomes first lucky loser to reach WTA 1000 semi-final


Meanwhile, in the men’s tournament, world number one Sinner is through to the Madrid semi-finals for the first time.

The Italian beat 19-year-old home favourite Rafael Jodar 6-2 7-6 (7-0) in just shy of two hours.

He is bidding for his fifth ATP Masters 1000 title in a row, having won in Paris late last year and already secured the Indian Wells, Miami Open and Monte Carlo titles in 2026.

But the four-time Grand Slam champion was made to work in the quarter-final as Madrid-born Jodar showed why there are such high hopes for what he can achieve in the coming years, going toe-to-toe with Sinner in the second set.

“Tough challenge, I knew before the match that he was going to be very tough to beat, especially here, he’s from here and he knows exactly how to play in these conditions,” Sinner told Sky Sports.

Sinner quickly took control, saving a break point when 2-1 down before reeling off five straight games to win the first set.

The second was much more closely contested though, with Jodar earning break points at 3-2 and 4-3. But each time Sinner held firm.

Jodar saved three break points himself to hold and go up 5-4 and held serve again to ensure at least a tiebreak.

But Sinner showed his class, swiftly holding to love before putting on a masterclass in the breaker, winning it without dropping a point.

“I’ve got a little bit more experience and in the second set got a little bit lucky at times with a couple of lines and net cords,” he added.

“But I tried to keep the level as high as I could… I’m happy with how I ended the match.

“[Jodar] is an incredible player. Spain has one more incredible player so it’s great for the sport.”

Sinner will face either France’s Arthur Fils or Jiri Lehecka of Czech Republic in the semi-finals.



Source link

  • Related Posts

    Sources: Warriors’ brass meet with Kerr; will reconvene next week

    ,  Ramona Shelburne Close Ramona Shelburne ESPN Senior Writer Senior writer for ESPN.com Spent seven years at the Los Angeles Daily News ,  Anthony Slater Multiple Authors Apr 29, 2026,…

    Wins for Hampshire, Essex and The Blaze in One-Day Cup

    Hampshire go top of the One-Day Cup table following a thrilling day of four tight finishes. Source link

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Stolen peacocks safe at home after being discovered in rural Alberta ditch, says RCMP

    Stolen peacocks safe at home after being discovered in rural Alberta ditch, says RCMP

    James Comey surrenders to authorities after indictment over seashell post | James Comey

    James Comey surrenders to authorities after indictment over seashell post | James Comey

    Sources: Warriors’ brass meet with Kerr; will reconvene next week

    Sources: Warriors’ brass meet with Kerr; will reconvene next week

    James Comey Makes First Court Appearance After Second Indictment Against Him

    James Comey Makes First Court Appearance After Second Indictment Against Him

    Sanctioned Chinese AI Firm SenseTime Releases Image Model Built for Speed

    Sanctioned Chinese AI Firm SenseTime Releases Image Model Built for Speed

    GB News commentator to sue charity for not offering internships to white people | Law

    GB News commentator to sue charity for not offering internships to white people | Law