Fonseca admits having experienced the 'Jódar effect': "I got nervous"

Jose Morón | 27 Apr 2026 | 02.24

Fonseca acknowledges having felt nervous when facing Jódar. Photo: Getty

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The Mutua Madrid Open has been the stage this Sunday, April 26, of one of the most attractive duels of the new generation of world tennis, with the clash between Spanish Rafa Jódar and Brazilian Joao Fonseca in the third round of the tournament. With a victory for the Spaniard, Joao experienced firsthand what it feels like to face Rafa's attacking style.

The match did not disappoint: intensity, back and forth, and a competitive level worthy of established figures in a game that confirmed the birth of a rivalry with much potential. In a Magic Box arena cheering for emerging talent, Jódar eventually prevailed after a demanding three-set battle against Fonseca, who may have ended up slightly disappointing in the third set after dominating in the second.

Joao Fonseca admits he was nervous facing Jódar

His tactical match plan

Naturally, there was a technical strategy in place. However, I believe the most crucial aspect in today's match was mental. Both of us stepped onto the court with a certain level of nervousness, which is entirely normal. It was my first match in Madrid, while it was his third. Moreover, we were two young players facing off, which inevitably leads us to overthink.

He secured the first break, and then I managed to recover. Both of us were displaying a good level of tennis. In the tiebreak, he was slightly better, I think. I made some unforced errors that I shouldn't have made. He capitalized on his opportunity, played well, and took the win.

Start of the second set

I had the chance to break his serve right at the start. At the beginning of the third set, I felt better, even above him. I was taking more control of the match. However, after 40-15, missing some simple forehands led to frustration. Clearly, my on-court attitude needs improvement. It's an aspect we need to work on. From that moment on, he played better, with less nervousness, and found the right way to prevail.

The mental aspect of the match

In that regard, I feel that it was undoubtedly a challenging match. My primary focus was on the mental side, knowing that both of us were under pressure. Unfortunately, I couldn't manage it in the third set.

First time facing someone younger

He is a great player, achieving impressive results and rising quickly in the rankings. He possesses all the qualities to become an extraordinary player. As I said, facing a younger opponent in the ATP circuit made me somewhat nervous. It's a situation we must get used to and see how we respond to it.

I keep working, trying to identify aspects that help me improve both as a person and a player. I continue progressing, and that is the key point. Returning to the court, reflecting in the following days on what I could have done better, what attitude would have been more appropriate, and working on it.