Rafael Jodar lost the opening set again in Shanghai — and again found a way through. On Wednesday, October 14, the Spaniard defeated Botic van de Zandschulp 6–7(4), 6–4, 6–2 in two hours and 30 minutes to reach the quarter-finals of the Masters 1000 tournament.
Three wins from a set down
Every match in the 12th seed’s campaign has gone the distance. Following a first-round bye, Jodar beat Thiago Agustin Tirante 4–6, 6–2, 6–3 and Jiri Lehecka 4–6, 7–6(2), 6–4. Against Van de Zandschulp, he once more needed both remaining sets to keep his tournament alive.
Where the return made a difference
Jodar converted four of nine break points, compared with one of two for Van de Zandschulp. The Spaniard won 22 of the 42 points played against his opponent’s second serve, taking more than half of those exchanges.
On his own second serve, Jodar won 18 of 28 points, or 64%, while the Dutchman managed 48%. Jodar also led the overall points tally, 107 to 90.
Ruud awaits in the last eight
At 20, Jodar has reached the quarter-finals on his Shanghai debut. According to the tournament’s post-match report, he now holds a 41–16 record in 2026, his first full ATP Tour season, as he pursues a first appearance at the ATP Finals.
His next opponent is Casper Ruud. The Norwegian led 5–2 when Felix Auger-Aliassime retired after 35 minutes. The tournament reported a knee injury as the reason for the retirement. By advancing, Ruud completed the set of reaching at least one quarter-final at each of the nine Masters 1000 events.
The Tennis TV video features highlights of Jodar against Van de Zandschulp, published on October 14, 2026.
