Jódar explains the reality of his physical problems at Roland Garros

Pedro de Pablos | 27 May 2026 | 21.27

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After his smooth debut at Roland Garros 2026, Rafa Jódar has had to endure a tough second-round match against James Duckworth, who pushed him to his physical and mental limits. However, the Spanish tennis player managed to secure passage to the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, calming concerns about his physical issues.

It is important to remember that Jódar is still a rookie in Grand Slams, so five-set matches continue to be a learning experience for him. The Spanish player stated that his physical struggles against Duckworth at Roland Garros 2026 were due to a combination of heat, court conditions, and the toughness of his opponent, but he assures readiness for his third-round clash against Alex Michelsen.

Tough Match against Duckworth

Yes, he was a very tough opponent. He played very well, especially from the second set onwards, and also in the third and fourth. I think his serving is very good. He doesn't give you much rhythm. You just have to get the ball back and try to make him play, but he's a great player. His serving is very good, and he has fantastic shots. I had to give my best to beat him today. Obviously, I want to congratulate him on the match and wish him the best for the season.

Rapid Improvement in Recent Months

Well, this year I have played many matches. I believe I have improved a lot as a player, and I think this match also gives me a lot of confidence for the next one. So, yes, it has been a great year for me. I am enjoying each tournament, and every week I play on the circuit is a new chapter. I see it as a year of learning because I believe I can improve a lot and achieve better things in the future, but always with the same mindset: to improve in each tournament and in each match. These matches are helping me a lot to improve, especially when things are not going well, like today; I try to be mentally present and stronger than the opponent.

Physical Issues and Asking for the Physio

Yes, it was during the match. Many things happen, especially when you play best-of-five sets. So, you have to be there, physically and mentally. After the second set, I needed treatment from the physiotherapist, and I am very grateful that they were there for me; that really helped me improve physically for the third and fourth sets as well.

Medical Timeout Due to His Fall?

No. The fall is something that can happen. The floor was quite dry, and I slipped a lot. The conditions were what they were. The discomfort is a result of the game. I have been playing continuously for a long time. When we got to the third set, I needed some treatment. Now I have a day off, so I will make good use of it.

Received Warnings

When I was in the bathroom, I took my five minutes. When I reached the five minutes, I couldn't remove the shoe tag. I was going to put on a new shoe, and I communicated this to the person with me. He tried to help, got a little nervous, and didn't inform the chair umpire. It was a lack of communication, things that happen on the court. I have accepted the situation well. I am very happy with how I handled it.

Heat and Suffering in the Match

I am not too worried. In the end, I know that not all matches will go as smoothly as in the first round. I believe we need to learn from these matches where you have to endure. It's also where it shows that I am good, that I can also win when things are not going so well. Because in the end, if you want to win many matches, not all will be won in this case at a Grand Slam in 3 sets or in another tournament in 2 sets. So, in the end, I think this match will help me realize that even when things don't go well, I am capable of winning matches.

Regarding the heat, the conditions were challenging. It was hot, as mentioned before, and the court was quite dry, the ball was moving very quickly. It was a match that had to be overcome, and I did it, now recovering for the next round. I don't think what happened today will affect me, but rather help me.

Learning from These Matches

Yes, as I mentioned before, I think this match will help me a lot because this year I see it as a year to learn a lot. I won't win every match, obviously. I am aware that there will be defeats, but I will try to learn a lot from both victories and defeats. Today, I believe I learned a lot about managing moments in a match because ultimately, in long matches, being new to this circuit, I think I have to learn, and I believe this will give me maturity and experience for future five-set matches, which will be very helpful. Even in this tournament, if the situation arises again, maybe I won't be an expert because I am new to the circuit, but I will have learned a little more than today.

Pressure on His Figure

I simply try to enjoy above all. I think that is the most important thing when you play a Grand Slam. You just have to enjoy, and many people come to watch the matches. There are many people cheering for both players, so I think that's what makes not only this tournament but all four Grand Slams special. Having so many people in the stands supporting the players.

Presence of Ferrer in His Box

When I was young, he was a role model to me. Besides Rafa, there was also David Ferrer. We cannot forget all the things he has done. I am very grateful that he could come to my match. It is appreciated that the captain of Spain's Davis Cup team comes to watch me. Not just me, but all Spanish players. It is very much appreciated, and that support is noticeable during the match because he has been in that situation many times. Having him close when I need it is always good.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jódar explica la realidad de sus problemas físicos en Roland Garros