Jódar - Shapovalov: schedule, TV channel and where to watch online the Cincinnati Masters 1000 match today

Rafa Jódar, a 19-year-old Spanish tennis player, staged a dramatic comeback in Cincinnati after saving two match points against Denis Shapovalov in a thrilling second-round encounter of the Masters 1000 tournament. The match took place early on Saturday morning, August 15, 2026, following the Simona Waltert versus Jessica Pegula match. Jódar’s performance marked a pivotal moment in his ongoing North American tour, which had already included appearances in Washington and Montreal earlier in the summer. The match was scheduled for the early hours of the morning in Spain, with the start time set for around 1:00 AM local time. Despite initial concerns over weather conditions affecting the tournament schedule, the rain that had plagued previous days did not materialize, allowing the match to proceed as planned. Jódar faced a familiar opponent in Shapovalov, a Canadian player known for his inconsistency but also for flashes of brilliance. Their previous meeting had taken place six months prior during the ATP 500 tournament in Dallas, where Shapovalov had dominated Jódar with scores of 6-1 and 6-2. Since that encounter, both players have undergone significant changes in their rankings. Shapovalov, who was once ranked within the top 40, had dropped to number 48, while Jódar had climbed to the 11th position in the world rankings, surpassing even Novak Djokovic in the year-end race. This upward trajectory positioned Jódar as a rising star on the ATP Tour, particularly notable given his young age and recent performances. Jódar's journey through the North American circuit has been marked by high stakes and intense competition. He had previously reached the final in Washington, facing Taylor Fritz, and narrowly missed out on winning his first Masters 1000 title in Montreal after losing to Yoshihito Nakashima in the semifinals. His return to the United States for the Cincinnati tournament came just three days later, underscoring his commitment to maintaining momentum ahead of the upcoming US Open, which would begin on August 30 and run until September 13. In Cincinnati, Jódar faces a challenging path ahead. If he successfully navigates past Shapovalov, he is expected to face Sascha Zverev in the quarterfinals. Zverev, seeded first in the tournament, represents a formidable challenge given his status as one of the top players in the draw. Should Jódar advance further, he could potentially meet Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, adding another layer of complexity to his campaign. The match between Jódar and Shapovalov drew considerable attention, especially given the contrasting trajectories of both players. While Shapovalov had struggled with form and consistency, Jódar had shown remarkable resilience and growth. His ability to save two crucial match points highlighted not only his mental toughness but also his technical skills under pressure. Fans and analysts alike were watching closely, eager to see whether this young Spaniard could continue his ascent on the global stage. The tournament itself has faced logistical challenges due to inclement weather, leading to the cancellation of entire days of play. However, the organizers managed to adjust schedules accordingly, ensuring that key matches proceeded without major disruption. For Jódar, the absence of rain on the day of his match proved fortuitous, allowing him to focus entirely on the contest at hand. Viewers in Spain had multiple options to follow the match. It was broadcast live on Movistar Plus+, specifically on channels Movistar Plus (channel 7) and M+ Deportes 2 (channel 64). Additionally, coverage and updates were available on ABC.es, providing fans with comprehensive insights into the tournament and its developments. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on Jódar, whose performance against Shapovalov has already demonstrated his potential to compete at the highest level. With each match, he continues to build his reputation as a player capable of delivering under pressure, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting chapter in his career.