The Madrid Masters 1000 kicks off this week. Wednesday’s schedule features new Spanish teen sensation Rafael Jodar taking on Jesper de Jong and Matteo Berrettini going up against Dino Prizmic.
(WC) Rafael Jodar vs. Jasper de Jong
It didn’t take 19 year-old Rafael Jodar long to build up a healthy fanbase in Spain and beyond. The newly minted world No. 42 was ranked 124th in February, but he has been on an absolute tear since he came up through qualifying at the Miami Open. After losing in the Miami third round, he went on to win the title in Marrakech and made the semis in Barcelona last week. Jodar is, from all available evidence, the real deal.
He is going to have vigorous support in front of the home crowd on Wednesday — bad news for Dutch opponent Jesper de Jong, who is ranked 109th in the world. De Jong has won one match in seven tries so far in 2026. Look for this one to go Jodar’s way comfortably.
Cheryl pick: Jodar in 2
Ricky pick: Jodar in 2
(Q) Dino Prizmic vs. Matteo Berrettini
This will be the first-ever meeting between Italy’s Matteo Berrettini and Croat Dino Prizmic. Berrettini, who was ranked No. 6 in the world in 2022, sits at No. 92 and has struggled mightily with injuries since then. He has historically been strong on natural surfaces, with his best results coming on grass. Berrettini was a 2021 Wimbledon finalist but he simply hasn’t managed to stay healthy long enough to climb back up the rankings.
Prizmic is ranked 87th, but he has had some success on the Challenger circuit recently. Berrettini is by far the more experienced player, and he is a good clay courter. The Italian should make his way to the second round.
Cheryl pick: Berrettini in 3
Ricky pick: Berrettini in 2