Rafael Jodar est le premier joueur de tennis né en 2006 à atteindre les demi-finales d’un Masters 1000.
L’Espagnol a signé cette performance à Montréal, au terme d’un match de très haut niveau face à Arthur Fils, remporté 7-6 (5), 6-3. À 19 ans, le Madrilène semble déjà avoir compris l’une des grandes qualités capables de faire la différence dans la progression d’un athlète : accepter de se sacrifier jour après jour pour continuer à progresser.
À l’issue de sa victoire contre Fils, Jodar a également affiché une grande humilité. Le jeune Espagnol ne voulait pas entendre parler de classement, estimant que les enseignements tirés sur le court sont, surtout à ce stade de sa carrière, plus importants que les chiffres.
Jodar est en pleine ébullition
« I am very happy with this tournament and the fact that my level is growing. I’m really happy to have reached my first semi-final in a Masters 1000 in Canada. I’m doing the right things with my father and all the people who are close to me, I just try to follow my own path. I think that’s the key, one of the most important aspects: to keep pushing and improving, because there are still so many things I have to learn, both on and off the court, » a déclaré Jodar en conférence de presse.
« I try not to pay too much attention to what happens outside the tournament, but to focus on myself. My goal is always the same: to improve, discover tournaments during my first year on the Tour and play as many matches as possible. I don’t think about climbing the standings, that is a secondary aspect and cannot be the main goal. I want to have fun on the court and enjoy all those that are new events for me. »
Un coup en particulier a permis à Jodar de mettre Fils sous pression : le retour de service. « All the blows are important, but on a surface like concrete, the response is crucial. So it’s something we’re working on, like every other aspect of my game. I think in matches like this, in a Masters 1000 quarterfinal, you have to try to give your best, try to play your tennis. I think I did a great job today, especially in the important moments and in the phases of greatest pressure, » a-t-il expliqué.
