The Madrid Open has been a great event so far and today we’re set for the first two quarter-finals. It’s Sinner vs Jodar and Lehecka vs Fils and we got the previews and betting picks for you below.
Jannik Sinner vs. Rafael Jodar
Venue: Manolo Santana Centre Court
Scheduled Time: Not before 16:00 CEST
This is the most anticipated match of the week for the Spanish fans. Jannik Sinner is currently on a 20-match winning streak, having swept the titles in Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo. He has looked nearly invincible, though he did drop his first set of the tournament in his opening match against Benjamin Bonzi.
His opponent, Rafael Jodar, is the story of the tournament of course. The 19-year-old Madrid native has had a meteoric rise, jumping from outside the top 500 last summer to world No. 42 this week. He enters this match as a massive underdog but I’m sure he’s got the feeling that anything can happen. More on Rafa Jodar’s racquet.
- Head-to-Head: First-ever meeting.
- Sinner is the heavy favorite to reach the semifinals. Jodar plays a flat, aggressive game similar to Sinner’s, so expect some high-velocity baseline exchanges.
Predictions: If Jodar can continue his run even against the world no 1, the Jodar-mania would reach new heights, but I don’t think it will. Not against the world no 1 that usually find a game plan against any type of player. We can also expect some inconsistency in Jodar’s game for quite some time still. The Spaniard will have his moments during the match but I will still take Sinner to win it in two sets.
Jiri Lehecka vs. Arthur Fils
Venue: Manolo Santana Centre Court
Scheduled Time: Approx. 21:30 CEST
This evening match features two of the cleanest ball-strikers on tour and both are in fantastic form. Jiri Lehecka has been remarkably steady in Madrid, a city where he has historically played well. He’s coming off a dominant straight-sets win over Lorenzo Musetti and seems enjoy the high-altitude conditions.
Arthur Fils is perhaps the only player currently matching Sinner’s form on clay. The Frenchman recently won the title in Barcelona and has been physically overwhelming his opponents in Madrid.
- Head-to-Head: They have split their two matches in 2026. Fils won easily in Doha, while Lehecka dominated their most recent meeting in the Miami semifinals.
- Both players are looking to secure their first Masters 1000 title, and the winner of this match will likely be viewed as the primary threat to stop Sinner in the semifinals.
Predictions: It feels a lot like a 50/50 match, but looking at the bookies odds, Fils is the favorite going into this battle. The Frenchman looks very solid on clay and is at times a nightmare to defend against. Fils to win in 3 sets.