Rafael Jodar Hopes to Use Jannik Sinner Experience Against Alexander Zverev in Roland Garros Quarterfinal

This Roland Garros saw high-profile exits in the early rounds, one after the other, with the biggest names being Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic. Joao Fonseca fought back from the brink of defeat in the third round versus the 39-year-old to secure the biggest win of his career in five sets.

A day before the Serb’s exit, Sinner, in spite of comfortably leading two sets to love against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, and needing just a game in the third set (he was leading 5-1) to book his ticket for the third round, suffered from cramps under the sweltering conditions. And this saw Cerundolo reel off one game after the other. Before anyone could grasp what was happening, the World No.1 lost the match.

Sinner arrived in Paris after winning the first five Masters 1000s of the season, one of which was the Madrid Open. In the quarterfinal, he faced rising star Rafael Jodar, who, after easily losing the first set, tried to force a comeback but eventually lost with scores of 6-2, 7-6(0). Jodar wants to use this experience in his match against Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinal of the French Open.

It will be a very special experience. These are the matches that you dream of playing when you’re young and watch the Grand Slams, Roland Garros, and such on TV. I will try to make the most of it. I faced Sinner in Madrid, so I have an idea of the level, but I know that winning here is a whole different challenge because each match is unique, the conditions vary, and the playing style is different.

Rafael Jodar said at the press conference

The Spaniard made his Grand Slam appearance at this year’s Australian Open and reached the second round. Before scheduling the match against Zverev, the teenager went past compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta.

I will give my best and enjoy the match because it’s not every day you get to play against the World No.3 in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros.

Rafael Jodar added

Zverev must be feeling all the pressure of the world to finally win his career’s first Major now that the tournament is without the three Grand Slam champions (Carlos Alcaraz is not playing due to wrist injury). The three-time Major finalist finished as the runner-up at the 2024 Roland Garros.

Greg Rusedski shocked by Roland Garros’ decision to make Jannik Sinner play during the day

In recent years, Jannik Sinner‘s campaigns ended mostly due to two reasons: one is his arch-rival, Carlos Alcaraz, and the other is the sun. Cramps while playing in the scorching heat have gotten the better of the South Tyrol native. Greg Rusedski thinks Roland Garros should have protected Sinner by not making him play during the day.

I was shocked when the tournament decided to put him on at midday. You protect the top boys. Everybody has to play an afternoon match. He can do that in the second week, when temperatures are going to be cooler. It’s supposed to go down to about 20 degrees. It’s not like frying an egg out there.

Greg Rusedski said on his Off Court with Greg podcast

Roland Garros is already facing accusations of protecting Sinner when the umpire allowed him a medical timeout for cramps. Had Sinner won that match, it would have become a huge controversy.

Other tournaments have also found themselves on the receiving end of criticism for decisions that favored the 24-year-old whenever he was struggling. Even players like Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev have accused some events of giving both Sinner and Alcaraz preferential treatment.

Also read: Marta Kostyuk Reveals Painful Split with Mother That Fueled Her Roland Garros Breakthrough