The attention surrounding Rafael Jódar is growing by the day at the Mutua Madrid Open.
This Friday, the Spanish #NextGenATP player claimed the first Top 10 win of his career in the Manolo Santana Stadium, living up to the buzz surrounding him on the ATP Tour. In his home city, the Madrid native dismantled world No. 8 Alex de Minaur, conceding just four games and unleashing an attacking brand of tennis that promises to launch him into the sport’s elite.
The Spaniard has practically become a household name in Madrid over the last few months. His latest triumph in the Caja Magica sees him rise to No. 20 in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, a testament to the spell of form he is currently enjoying.
“Everything is happening very fast, I’m playing lots of tournaments and matches”, the Madrid-born player calmly acknowledged. “That’s allowing me to compete against many high-level players and improve my tennis. When you face these opponents, who are the best on tour, that’s when you really raise your level. Today my aim was to enjoy myself, because you don’t play against an opponent like Alex every day. In front of all the people who came to support me, I tried to savour the moment”.
The Spaniard seemed unfazed by the magnitude of the stage he found himself on, imposing his game from the outset. Facing one of the most physical players on the ATP Tour, capable of tirelessly patrolling the baseline, the Madrid player landed countless winners and had the fans in raptures with his aggressive game.
“I knew I had to enjoy myself, if I had a shot I had to go for it. I knew things would get tough, because the score doesn’t reflect how hard the match was. In the second set he clawed his way back, but there were key points that I managed to swing my way. That’s what decided the match”.
The Spaniard’s composure was perhaps the result of the progress he has already made in the Caja Magica. While in his first match he had to battle to a comeback, on Friday all he needed were 75 minutes to take down De Minaur. To Jódar, though, his progress is natural and to be expected.
“The first match helped me a lot to adapt to the conditions in Madrid”, he explained. “I came from something very different in Barcelona. It did me good to get used to the Manolo Santana court. That doesn’t mean the next one will be any less tough, it’ll be very challenging. Tomorrow I’ll try to have a good practice day and approach Sunday’s match with the same mindset”.
In two days’ time the Caja Magica will represent an opportunity for Jódar to become the leading force of a new generation of players. The Madrid native will take on Brazil’s Joao Fonseca for the first time, in a clash between the two leading players in the PIF ATP Live Next Gen Race.
“Joao is a tough opponent and I have to prepare well for this match. I have to play my own game and be ready in case things don’t go as well as today. I have to try to stay strong in those moments. We’ll see how it goes”.
In Madrid, where fans are yearning for a new hero, Jódar responds with actions not words. At just 19 years of age, the Spaniard is already equipped to challenge the strongest in the world.