Jódar does not set limits: "I believe I can reach a higher level in tennis"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 8 May 2026 | 16.26

Jódar doesn't set limits: "I believe I can reach a higher level in tennis." Photo: Gettyimages

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Rafa Jódar also knows how to win without playing his best tennis. This was evident in his debut at the ATP Rome 2026 where he had to sweat to pull out a very dangerous match (7-6(4), 6-4) against a clay court specialist like Nuno Borges under very different playing conditions than those in Madrid. However, the Madrilenian once again showed that he has qualities that only great players possess: the ability to win ugly.

Therefore, after overcoming the Portuguese player and before facing Matteo Arnaldi in the third round next Sunday, he visited the mixed zone of the Roman tournament where he emphasized his happiness with the recent results obtained and warned that he still has much room for improvement.

Rafa Jódar analyzed his great form after defeating Borges in his debut at the ATP Rome 2026

"It's a great place to play. Rome is always very special. It's my first time here. I really enjoyed playing my first match and getting my first victory. The crowd was very supportive of both players."

"Well, I don't think my appearance is something normal. It's my own journey. I've achieved good results in the recent tournaments. But I'm very happy. I know I have to keep improving. There's still a long way to go. I can reach a higher level in tennis and I try to learn from each match and each tournament."

Aware that not everything will always go smoothly

"I just try to accept what happens in the tournaments. There are weeks when you have to accept that things don't go as you would like. But you have to be there and learn from those matches. I believe it's crucial to analyze them and also share your feelings with your team. They can provide feedback and that's really important. I'm following my own path, but I think I'm doing a great job of accepting things."

Admits he has homework

"In general, I have to improve everything. If you want to compete against the best in the world, you need to have a very complete game and maintain a high level for a long time. In all these tournaments, we know we have to be prepared for each event we play. The most important thing for me is to enjoy the process, and I think I'm doing it well. It's my first time, and there will be many first times for me because this is my first year on the circuit. So I try to enjoy every tournament and, obviously, give my best."

Anticipates a tough match against Arnaldi

"I haven't seen him play much. But everyone here is very good. If he has already won two matches, it's for a reason. He's a great player, so I have to recover well and try to be ready for that match because it will be very challenging," confesses Rafa Jódar, who will seek to continue taking giant steps against Matteo Arnaldi.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jódar no se pone límites: "Creo que puedo alcanzar un nivel más alto en el tenis"