Rafael Jodar, a 19-year-old Spanish wildcard, defeated fifth seed Alex de Minaur 6-3 6-1 in 75 minutes at the Madrid Open on Tuesday, according to tournament officials. The teenager, making his debut at the tournament, produced a stunning performance to reach the third round, sources confirmed.
Jodar, who won his first ATP title in Marrakech and reached the semi-finals in Barcelona earlier this season, according to ATP records, broke de Minaur three times and saved all four break points he faced. His next opponent in the third round has not yet been determined.
I was feeling the ball really well in the first set but it was tough to hang with him in the second and I had to dig deep in the third set when I was down a break.
In another match, Britain's Cameron Norrie fought back from a set down to defeat Tomas Machac 6-2 6-7 (6-8) 7-6 (7-5) in a grueling encounter lasting over two and a half hours, according to match reports. Norrie, who has never advanced beyond the third round at the Madrid Open, saved a match point in the final set tie-break to secure victory, sources said.
Norrie reached the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open last week, according to tournament results. His third-round opponent at the Madrid Open is yet to be confirmed.
It was so, so good. It was one of the favourite matches of my career - the atmosphere was so good and it tested me in so many ways.
These are the kind of matches where you can get through them and go on to have a great week.