Twenty-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jódar beat Casper Ruud 4–6, 6–4, 6–3 on October 16 to reach the Shanghai Masters semi-finals on debut. The event confirmed him as its youngest men's semi-finalist, with all four wins coming after losing the opener.
Late return games change the match
Ruud broke in game ten to take the first 6–4. Jódar said his opponent handled important points better and served well enough to deny his break chances.
In the second, Jódar broke before Ruud recovered to 2–2. The final two games decided it: Jódar broke again for 5–4, then held to love for 6–4. Shanghai's report highlighted growing initiative, particularly his forehand.
Three deciding-set breaks completed 6–3. Five across sets two and three contrast with missed opening chances. This was their first tour meeting.
Men's singles quarter-final result
| Player | First set | Second set | Third set | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rafael Jódar (12th seed) | 4 | 6 | 6 | Advances to semi-finals |
| Casper Ruud (20th seed) | 6 | 4 | 3 | Eliminated in quarter-finals |
A Shanghai debut connects to a rapid season of growth
Jódar was still at the University of Virginia in 2025 before winning Lincoln and Charlottesville Challenger titles that fall. His first full tour season now stands at 42–16, with five semi-finals, two at Masters level in Montreal and Shanghai.
The path includes setbacks: first-round US Open and Tokyo exits before Shanghai's four recoveries. The report also lists ten wins and two losses against the top thirty since July.
INKA SPORTS analysis: Return chances become a set through a follow-up hold
The last two games of set two offer the clearest sequence. Breaking for 5–4 only created a chance to serve out; the love hold made it an actual set. Regaining initiative on return and protecting it on serve consecutively restored competition in a decider. The first-set tenth game and second-set close show how execution changes circumstances.
Conclusion
Jódar reaches his second Masters semi-final this season and first meeting with Medvedev for a first Masters final. Four comebacks show resilience this week; breaking and holding to love at the second-set end explains specifically how one was completed.
