Jódar: "I know there will be moments when things don't go so well"

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One more day, normality takes hold of Rafa Jódar's daily routine. A 19-year-old guy who seems to have landed on his feet in a circuit that holds no secrets for him. After claiming his first victory at the Conde de Godó, these were his reflections in the press room.

And how good it is to be close to the protagonists this week at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, to hear the calmness that Rafa Jódar conveys every time he faces a microphone. After overcoming a depleted Jaume Munar in the first round, the Madrid native spoke to the accredited media to assess this new step in his career and reveal how he approaches the expectations gradually building up on his shoulders.

Rapid adaptation to the circuit

“I knew I was doing things very well; everything is happening very quickly. It's my first year on the professional circuit, and things are going very well. I'm enjoying myself on the court, which is the most important thing. I have a lot of room for improvement, both on clay and on hard courts. I want to work gradually, gaining confidence in matches, especially in these early rounds, which are always more challenging. Fortunately, I've felt very good here.”

Free from all pressure

“I don't put any pressure on myself, no objectives; I have to take it step by step. I have to continue my path, not comparing myself to anyone, neither Spanish nor from other countries. Everyone has to follow their own pace; I shouldn't add any extra pressure. This is what we try to work on in my closest circle. Putting pressure leads nowhere.”

Debut at the Conde de Godó

“These have been very nice days, my first playing the Godó. Today, the atmosphere was incredible, I felt very supported. I knew I was playing against Jaume (Munar), another Spanish player, so it was like a derby. I felt very good both at the beginning of the match and when I managed to finish it; I always felt the support. In the end, it was my first match in Spain playing an ATP tournament, and I'm very happy with how they welcomed me.”

Appreciating every achieved victory

“Here, everyone plays very well; they are very professional. We are talking about the best players in the world. In the end, you have to do things very well to claim a victory. You have to appreciate every triumph, especially those achieved here in Spain. Last year, I was facing a different type of player; the ball's pace at this level is indeed noticeable, you have to be prepared, but I'm handling it well.”

Rafa Jódar explains how he faces expectations

“I don't set the expectations; others do. What I have to do is focus on myself, continue my path, improve gradually. I am still the same person and will remain so, regardless of the results; I prefer not to dwell too much on expectations.”

Awaiting the less favorable moments

“Things have gone very well both this year on the professional circuit and last year, but there are always less favorable moments, I wouldn't say bad moments. It is from these less favorable moments that you learn, they make you tougher on the court, make you rethink how to play against your opponents. The season is very long; you have to play many tournaments. I know there will be times when things don't go so well, but I'll be prepared to face those situations in the best way possible.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jódar: “Sé que vendrán momentos donde las cosas no vayan tan bien”