Munar: "Right now, I prefer the two-week Masters 1000"

Fernando Murciego | 23 Apr 2026 | 19.39

Jaume Munar bets on the two-week Masters 1000 tournaments. Source: Punto de Break

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First victory for Jaume Munar on this clay court tour. At the Mutua Madrid Open, against Alexander Shevchenko, showing significant improvement compared to the last tournament. However, for the Balearic player, the most important thing is not the triumph.

This is the message that has resonated the most in Jaume Munar's mixed zone this Thursday, right after securing his first victory on the clay court tour. After overcoming an injury that kept him out for a few months, the Spaniard is now going through a recovery process to reach his best level. In this Mutua Madrid Open, it may be too early to reach that level, but working day by day will show how things progress. In his press conference, these were his words on various current topics.

Debut against Shevchenko

“I am very happy for the victory and, above all, for the 10 days I have been working in Madrid, and how I came from Barcelona. I have had good and bad days, today was a good one. I felt competitive, although I am still a bit far from where I would like to be regarding the serve speed, but with the rest of the aspects, I see myself well. I have improved a lot since Barcelona, so now it's time to keep working because this is a long process”.

Return after the injury

“I am very clear about where I am at a tennis level, currently far from where I would like to be. However, I notice an improvement in quality compared to last week; I have been able to put in a lot of hours of work, I see that I am improving, although I still have a way to go. I am usually a player who gets tired very little, and now the matches feel long for me. I can improve a lot in terms of serving, but it's part of the process. I need to see how I wake up tomorrow, continue adding and improving, but I know it will take time”.

Next match against Casper Ruud

“We have been colleagues for many years; we have even been on the same team. We have a super good relationship. It will be a very tough match; he is the defending champion. I think my level is not yet ready for this type of match, but we'll see, one day at a time. I am taking giant steps every day, it will be a very tough opponent, especially on this surface”.

Relationship with Rafa Nadal

“Talking with Rafa about any sports-related topic will always be inspiring. He has achieved everything that can be achieved in tennis, and he has a very special way of seeing and understanding tennis. I have spent endless hours talking with Rafa about tennis; he has helped me a lot, so I am super grateful. In terms of inspiration, just with his story, he has already done a lot. I believe I took advantage of that for many years. He is a very approachable person with whom I share day-to-day experiences. I have taken advantage of that for many years and still do”.

Jaume Munar makes his debut with victory at the Caja Mágica. Source: Getty

Appreciating the process more than the triumph

“I am not very concerned about today's victory; I am more focused on being competitive, seeing that I have evolved a lot in these two days, and being able to play tennis for two hours straight for several days. Without being conceited, from a tennis standpoint, I now see myself with a consolidated level; my level has increased significantly compared to previous years. If you want to compete on the current circuit, you have to be prepared; you have to put in a lot of hours. If I can do this, that mental security will eventually come”.

Jaume Munar, in favor of the two-week Masters 1000 events

“Right now, I prefer tournaments that last two weeks. Today I play two hours of tennis, and tomorrow, for example, I have a day off. We can debate on who benefits more from one thing or the other. Here we are almost 100 players; the preferences of a top 10 player are not the same as someone who can now play the qualifications and couldn't before. We must choose our words carefully. I understand the top players and that wear and tear, but if you ask within the locker room, you will find people who are delighted. Personally, I believe that a combination of both models could create a better outcome, although finding consensus on these matters is difficult. Regardless of whether we are happier or not with the situation, what we as players should do is perform on the court, which is our job”.

Emergence of Jódar, Landaluce, and Mérida

“It is fantastic to see players of this age and level emerging. I had already seen Jódar in Australia; I was amazed; he has a special ball impact, an incredible clarity of ideas. He plays tennis very well, without any complexes, he can do anything. I met Martín many years ago at the Academy; tremendous progression, he has been in the spotlight the most during this time, which can be difficult sometimes. He is already in the top 100 and has the level to stay there for many years. I knew Dani the least, but there he is, reaching an ATP final, proving that he can compete with the best. The day I'm no longer here, I will continue to watch these players, so I am happy as a fan and for our country”.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Munar: “Ahora mismo, prefiero los Masters 1000 de dos semanas”