Jódar earns the right to dream big

Streaming M25 Gandia live tennis

🎾 Sergi Perez Contri vs Pablo Martinez Gomez

1. Sign up with Bet365 here
2. Make your first deposit of at least €5
3. Go to the “Live” section and watch every match

Watch the match on Bet365

 PUBLICIDAD

Register at bet365, deposit €5 or more into your account and you will receive 100% of your eligible deposit in Bet Credits (up to €100). New customers only. Terms apply. Winnings do not include the value of Bet Credits. Maximum prizes, game restrictions, time limits and terms apply. Registration required.

Rafael Jódar secured his spot in the quarterfinals of Roland Garros 2026 after completing one of those comebacks that highlight his status as a budding superstar. He started incredibly strong, but couldn't sustain that level beyond the first two sets. The final score was 4-6 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 in favor of the player from Madrid.

Spanish tennis celebration was guaranteed this Sunday at Roland Garros 2026, with two players of different styles, personalities, and eras, yet sharing the same ambition to make their mark in the Parisian Grand Slam. Rafael Jódar entered as the favorite, but the Madrid native was fully aware of the danger posed by the experienced and tactically smart Pablo Carreño. The match did not disappoint in the least.

Carreño delivered a tactical masterclass and executed flawless tennis for two sets

The match began with exquisite play from both players. From the early stages of the first set, it was evident that Carreño displayed impeccable footwork and mental clarity, engaging in intense exchanges with Jódar. Jódar took the lead with a promising 4-1 scoreline, but suddenly, everything changed.

Some errors due to haste, a ball that he thought was out but was in, tactical disarray, and Carreño's stellar performance created a perfect storm that overwhelmed the player from Leganés. He conceded 9 consecutive games as the Asturian player dominated the court, becoming an impregnable wall. Carreño excelled with spectacular backhands, power and depth in all his shots, strong serves... Everything went perfectly for Pablo, who seemed flawless.

Rafa tried to cling to the second set, showing great resolve despite the tough situation, setting the foundation for what would follow. Pablo managed to close the set, establishing a comfortable lead, but Jódar reignited his spark in the third set. His forehand hugged the lines, showed its usual bite, changed directions effortlessly, and outplayed the Asturian.

Jódar's swift reaction might have been fueled by discomfort in Carreño's right shoulder

The tide had completely turned. Carreño seemed unable to match his opponent's power, speed, and consistency in play. The Gijón native lost ground and, more importantly, seemed to have lost hope. Issues with his right shoulder worsened the already bleak situation, particularly evident in the fourth set, where Rafa continued to showcase his talent and rising star qualities.

As if he had saved some energy for that fifth set, Pablo returned with renewed vigor and hope, regaining his baseline consistency and intensifying the match once more. However, Rafa's upward momentum was unstoppable, and he bravely accepted the challenge, securing an early break. Rain threatened to intervene, slightly delaying the match, but Leganés' player remained undeterred.

Rafael Jódar put the finishing touch on a victory that holds significant meaning for him, allowing him to continue dreaming of lifting the Roland Garros 2026 title. He has proven himself more than worthy of being considered a contender and is just three wins away from achieving it. Eternal recognition to Pablo Carreño, who honored tennis in this tournament, rediscovering his best form when few believed in him. Spanish tennis celebrates, and the Leganés monster now awaits the next challenge; it could be Zverev.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jódar se gana el derecho a soñar a lo grande