Jódar remembers Alcaraz: "We have an excellent relationship, I hope he recovers soon"

Carlos Navarro | 15 Apr 2026 | 19.53

Jódar remembered Alcaraz after winning in Barcelona. Source: Getty

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Rafael Jódar has become the main Spanish protagonist of the 2026 Barcelona Open, where he is now the last survivor. The Madrid native decisively defeated Camilo Ugo Carabelli to secure his first quarterfinals in an ATP 500, matching records of precocity and raising even further what is already an almost unattainable ceiling.

However, nothing seems to perturb Rafa during press conferences, always capable of calmly analyzing every issue. He didn't even delve into the Champions League match between Real Madrid and Bayern, but he did dare to explain the bond he shares with Carlos Alcaraz and, above all, make it clear that the only mantra is to take it one match at a time, without entertaining hypothetical considerations about how much of a favorite he already is for the title.

Jódar elaborates on his relationship with Alcaraz: this is the message he sends

- Evaluation of his victory today over Ugo Carabelli and differences compared to their match in Marrakech

"It was a very tough match. I knew it would be completely different from when I played against Ugo two weeks ago in Marrakech, and I am very happy to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time. These are different matches because the conditions are very different; probably he also watched the previous match, analyzed it. For these reasons, the match was different, and the match's progress was different. He started with a break ahead, and in the end, I had to accept the situation. The match was tough, and every point was hard-fought."

- The last Spaniard remaining in the draw after Alcaraz's withdrawal, great level... Are you starting to see yourself as a favorite or contender for the title?

"No, not at all. In the end, I have to take it one match at a time. There are still many matches to go, the next one is on Friday, and it will be a very tough opponent. Now it's time to recover well, try to do my best, attempt to bring my A-game on Friday, and approach each match with the same mindset as in the recent matches."

- Yesterday Alcaraz said you were excellent: at what point did it click to start seeing him as a competitor and not just as a role model?

"Well, I have followed Carlos' matches for a long time since he was younger and as he was growing. He is a magnificent boy, an excellent person. Indeed, we get along very well in the tournaments where we meet, we have a very good relationship, and I greatly appreciate his words. Regarding his injury, I hope it's nothing serious, and he recovers as soon as possible."

- Does it feel imposing to be on the court with Rafael Nadal and to see yourself playing so well, already in the quarterfinals?

"Well, I always say the same thing: I have to play my game, try to impose my game. And when things aren't going well, as was the case today when I didn't start well, I try to find solutions, try to figure out ways to turn the matches around. I am content with how I could overcome the situation that arose; what I have to do is take it one match at a time, try to discuss the next game with my father, try to approach it in the best possible way."

- How do you use social media and how important is it to you?

"I try to use them as little as possible, but it is true that for communicating with friends, family, eventually, you have to use the phone. I try to detach myself as much as possible from what's around the tournament and the players. I focus on myself, try to play good tennis, and give my best in every match. But, I try to use social media as little as possible, attempt to do other things, like interacting with friends who are here, especially when the tournaments are in Spain: it's easier because more people come to support me. Then I can have conversations with them and spend time together."

- Your clay court preparation before this hot streak

"I returned from Miami on Sunday, if I'm not mistaken, and had a week to prepare on clay. In the end, I try to prepare as best as I can: I saw Marrakech as the first tournament, the initial event to get into the rhythm on clay, knowing that I will face very tough players because on clay, the game changes, the playing style changes."

- What ranking number do you see in two years? What tournament would you like to win someday?

"Well, I can't answer the first one because I don't read the future. I will try to go tournament by tournament, match by match, aim to improve aspects of my game that I believe need improvement, gradually develop as a player, and gain experience in these types of tournaments. As for a title, I would say any one (laughs). I won't commit to one specifically."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jódar se acuerda de Alcaraz: "Tenemos una relación excelente, espero que se recupere pronto"