Son, about Jódar: "His game is more similar to Sinner's than to Alcaraz's"

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Arthur Fils did not dodge any of the questions he was asked during the ATP 500 Barcelona Open 2026 press conference, showing particular interest in those related to his semifinal opponent, Rafael Jódar. The words of the French player should be taken into serious consideration when evaluating the potential of the young Madrid native.

Arthur Fils's advancement to the final of the Barcelona Open 2026 confirms his competitive growth in a demanding week. The Frenchman has proven his ability to adapt to different scenarios, and his reflections after the semifinal demonstrate a direct approach focused on the on-court events and adjustments made during the match.

This is what Arthur Fils said after defeating Jódar in the Barcelona Open 2026

A tough match and acknowledgment of the opponent

"It was a very tough match, I played well. This guy is going to be very, very good. He outpaced me this time. It was a good match, a good way to approach it, and I wish him a good future," confessed the Frenchman.

Maintaining composure after losing the first set

"As I said, I had match point in the first set. Losing the first set is not a big problem. I still have two sets to win, and he still has one to win the match. It's fine, not a big issue. The crowd here is very good. I have played in much tougher places, Rio was very good, but in Paris when they are against you, it's very, very tough. It has been very good here," explained Fils.

Tactical adjustments during the match

"I started the match staying a bit on my diagonal, thinking he would make mistakes, but in the end, he was hitting very well and making me make mistakes. I had to change tactics in the middle of the second set. I started moving him a bit more, using my forehand, my backhand down the line. I think that was the key to the match. Thanks to that, I managed to turn around the second set, and then in the third, I got ahead and felt better and better, but for a set and a half, it wasn't easy," he affirmed.

Physical and mental sensations

"No, I feel good. Physically, I'm fine. Today was three sets, an hour forty-five, it's fine. Yesterday was a great match against Lorenzo, an hour, an hour fifteen, it was shorter. Physically everything is fine, and mentally I feel good. Tomorrow I have a great match against a very, very good player. Let's see what happens, but I think I'll be ready," said Arthur.

Calendar planning

"It's always the same: either you chase after the tournaments or you prepare correctly, try to select the tournaments wisely, and aim to go as far as possible. That's what we try to do with the team. Last year I played many tournaments early in the year, and we saw what happened. This year we decided to take more time, prepare better, and in the end, we are right because when I arrive at a tournament, I feel ready," analyzed.

Emotional control on the court

"I have spent much less energy. I try not to spend too much energy on emotions, it's something we try to do with the team. Even when we win, we need to stay calm, not too emotional. Throughout the week, we have done it like this: no big celebrations, you win, and get back to work. If you win the tournament, then you celebrate; if not, nothing. I think it's good like this because it allows me to conserve energy and be ready for the final matches."

Comparison of Jódar with the playing styles of Alcaraz and Sinner

"Carlos can change many things during the match; he has been a champion for three, four, five years and has a lot of experience. Rafa today is a bit different, he is young and plays very, very good tennis. If I have to compare, I would compare him more to Jannik: he is very strong from the baseline, on both sides," he explained when asked about his experience playing with the Madrid native.

Expectations for the final with Rublev

"It's a great match, he's a great player. We have had great battles, he beat me in Hong Kong, a bit in Monaco. It's never easy against Rublev. I am very excited to play this match; it will be fun," he commented.

Excitement for Roland Garros 2026

"We are in Barcelona, then Madrid, then Rome, then Hamburg, and afterwards Roland Garros. I am not at Roland Garros now. Please, let me play this match. I will try to win, and then we will see," assured the Frenchman, who will leave Barcelona ranked among the top 30 in the world, laying the groundwork for a chance to arrive in Paris as a seeded player.

Arthur Fils reaches the final with a clear and direct discourse, supported by his immediate on-court experience. Without detours or external interpretations, his week at the ATP 500 Barcelona Open 2026 reflects an evolution based on specific decisions, in-game adjustments, and a more efficient management of each competitive moment.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Fils, sobre Jódar: "Su juego se parece más al de Sinner que al de Alcaraz"