Son offers opinion on Jódar before facing him in Barcelona

Pedro de Pablos | 17 Apr 2026 | 19.13

Son gives his opinion on Jódar before facing him in Barcelona

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Arthur Fils is on fire. The French tennis player has come back strong from his back injury suffered in 2025, and every major tournament he plays is synonymous with good results. Today, he has defeated Lorenzo Musetti to reach the semifinals of the Barcelona Open 2026, and in the press conference, he talked about the emergence of his upcoming rival in the semifinals: Rafa Jódar.

The level of Fils and Rafa Jódar indicates that the match this Saturday on the Rafael Nadal Court has all the ingredients to be one of the best of the tournament, or even the best. The French player acknowledged that he hadn't seen the Spaniard play until this week but predicted a bright future for him and praised the multitude of emerging talents coming out of Spain. Everything to be decided tomorrow.

Full press conference of Arthur Fils after defeating Musetti at the Barcelona Open 2026

Victory against Musetti

Today was a great match, against a tough opponent, especially on clay where he is one of the best on the circuit. I am very happy with my performance, my serve, forehand, and even my backhand today. It was very good.

Confidence after saving match point in debut against Atmane

Well, yes, somewhat. I feel that even if I have a match point to save, it is no longer the same pressure. I was saving points in the match, so when it is, I don't know, 2-0 for the other in the first set, it's not a big problem for me. It's still a long way and there is a lot of match left to play when I'm in disadvantaged situations, so there is no more pressure now.

Similarities between Barcelona and Roland Garros in the atmosphere

Well, the courts are very different, but the atmosphere feels almost the same. Whenever I speak, I always say that I feel almost at home. I had practiced with Sergi Bruguera here. I come here very often, so I feel very good in Barcelona. There are many French people here too, a lot of support, and I think the Spanish people like me a lot here, so it is very good. I really enjoy playing here.

Better level than before the injury

I think I am playing better now. Maybe less flashy, less powerful, but I believe I am much more consistent now. Much more focused, better serve, better understanding of the game... So yes, I feel better.

Evolution of Jódar and tennis in Spain

I don't know what is happening in Spain now, but they have a lot of young talents. First Carlos, and when Carlos is not here, you still feel good, and then you have a kid like Jódar, who is hitting the ball incredibly. He is a good guy. I think he will be very good; he has a lot of talent. It's the first time I see him play this week, I didn't know him, but what I see is that he is a great talent.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fils opina sobre Jódar antes de enfrentarse a él en Barcelona