Jódar: "I Gave Myself a Chance and It Paid Off"

Fernando Murciego | 23 Apr 2026 | 00.06

Jódar: "I gave myself a chance and it paid off." Source: Getty

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Another great victory for Rafa Jódar, adding up quite a few on this clay court tour. In three sets, defeating Jesper de Jong and confirming that he is ready for any kind of challenge. A joy for him... and for the tournament.

We might think it was just another day at the office for Rafa Jódar, but when you are 19 years old, there is not a single day where you don't learn something new. This time, perhaps it was us who learned something new about him, like the fact that he also knows how to fight back and, if necessary, can show character to turn around a tough situation. The point is that the young man from Madrid made it through the first round of the Mutua Madrid Open 2026, with the crowd by his side all the way, believing all along that victory was possible. Later, in the press conference, we could hear him analyze the triumph.

Jódar assures he feels physically good after his debut in Madrid

“I was eager to compete here in Madrid, but I knew I had to play a very solid match, especially at certain stages of the game. I didn't start very well, that's true, but then I gave myself a chance to improve. This time it worked out, so I'm happy with the win and with the opportunity to play another match here in Madrid. Regarding the treatment, it was simply due to accumulated fatigue from the match itself, nothing more. Now it's time to rest and recover as best as possible for Friday.”

Strong performance by Jesper de Jong

“I think my opponent was doing things very well; in the end, on court, you are not alone, there is another player in front of you who also knows how to play and wants to win just like you. Jesper played very well, but I accepted the situation and was able to stick to my game. In the end, I managed to break at the end of the second set, it was decided by very small details, although overall the match went well, improving as it progressed.”

Thinking ahead to De Minaur for Friday

“Now I have to recover, and tomorrow I will take it easy. In a Masters 1000, when you have a day off between matches, it's time to recover and work well with the physios; I need to be very prepared for Friday. It will be my second time against a top 10 opponent, I will try to learn from the things that happen in the match and above all to enjoy; that's the most important thing. You don't play against a great player in front of your audience every day, so the goal is to enjoy it.”

Rafa Jódar and his first victory at the Mutua Madrid Open. Source: Getty

Words for Roberto Bautista

“I have the utmost respect for Roberto; he has always been a role model for me. I have followed him since I was a child. This is his last year as a professional... and my first year on the circuit. We have a very good relationship, we always joke about this being his last year and my first one too. He is a reference in Spanish tennis; undoubtedly he has been one of the best.”

Expressing emotions on the court

“This is my first year on the circuit; I'm developing, learning how to act during matches. These two tournaments are indeed very special; I can play at home, and that means a lot of people I know come to see me. In general, I am a calm person, I don't like to express my emotions much, but there are times in the match when you have to do it, and it's good. If you win an important point, it's nice to shout and see that the crowd is with you.”

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jódar: “Me he dado una oportunidad y ha salido cara”