The Spaniard regaled the home fans with a heartfelt performance.

Rafael Jódar now has a taste of what it is like to be on the other side of the net from a world No. 1. Spain’s #NextGenATP star faced Jannik Sinner on the clay of the Mutua Madrid Open in the biggest match of his career, and he did not disappoint. At just 19 years of age, the Madrid native proved his competitiveness in the Manolo Santana Stadium, from where he will take some invaluable lessons for the future.

“It was a tough match”, admitted the Spaniard. “Jannik played really well throughout. I take away a lot of positives, I’ve learnt a lot from this match. There were times in which I competed head-to-head with him. I have a long road ahead to keep proving my level. I will take those positives with me. I’ve played a lot of matches here in Madrid and Barcelona, I’ll try to rest, recover well and think about the next tournaments”.

At the end of the match, Sinner showed his respect for the Spaniard by signing the TV camera with a compliment: “What a player!”, but later called for calm and encouraged the media to give a young man taking the tour by storm the time and space he needs.

“I agree”, said Jódar, continuing on from the world No. 1. “It’s my first year on tour, there are a lot of tournaments left this season and many seasons in the future. I have to try to improve and make sure I learn from this. I have to try and handle it in the best way possible. Knowing that everyone plays well, these results don’t make me better than I am. Everyone has the desire to win, I have to keep my feet on the ground and be aware that everyone can beat you”.

His campaign in Madrid was, perhaps, a glimpse of greatness. Although Jódar took on some high-calibre opponents in the Caja Magica, including the first Top-10 win of his career, Jannik is on another level to his previous opponents. Today he faced a multiple Grand Slam champion.

“Jannik is a very complete player and he shows that in the key moments of the match. He knows how to demonstrate a lot of confidence”, recognised the Spaniard, who watched Sinner slip from his grasp time and time again. The Italian fought off seven break points on his way to victory. “I had the opportunity to play with him in a match that was equal in many moments. I have to analyse how I played those points and change it next time I play against a player of this level or against him”.

The Madrid native will now go forward with many more eyes on him. He currently occupies No. 18 in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin. With Rome and Roland Garros on the horizon, Jódar’s new mission is to keep improving as he negotiates his future.

“I don’t think I’ll change, I’ll keep being the same person. It’s been amazing to have the chance to play in Madrid and reach the quarters. I know there’s a long road ahead and this is the first step”.

On a tour dominated by Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, the Spaniard is a breath of fresh air. Asked about the possibility of forming part of a Big 4 that would also include Brazil’s Joao Fonseca, the humble Spaniard gave a level-headed response.

“Time will tell. Both Carlos and Jannik are great players. They have proved they have a great level and consistency in all tournaments. Joao and I are very young, we have to learn and keep improving a lot if we want to reach that level”.