Jódar assesses Roland Garros and sets goals for the rest of the season

The young Spaniard values everything experienced in Paris, talks about the criticisms received on social media, the importance of his father, and many other topics.

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 4 Jun 2026 | 09.17
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Rafael Jódar, reflections after Roland Garros 2026. Photo: gettyimages
Rafael Jódar, reflections after Roland Garros 2026. Photo: gettyimages

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Rafael Jódar has returned home after Roland Garros 2026 with the satisfaction of a job well done, many lessons learned, and a desire to keep improving. The Madrid-born tennis player spoke on El Partidazo de COPE to reflect on his time in Paris and contemplate various issues, setting his sights on what remains of the year.

He has been a professional tennis player for just five months and has already managed to break into the top 25 in the world, leaving his mark on the clay court tour where he has been one of the main protagonists. Rafael Jódar sees the past few weeks as the beginning of a very important journey in which caution, humility, and a strong work ethic should guide him as he continues pushing the boundaries he has already surpassed by far. In a radio interview, he reflected on various matters.

Rafael Jódar's Thoughts After Returning Home from Roland Garros 2026

Jódar Reflects on His Time in Paris

It was only his second Grand Slam tournament after debuting in Australia, and the merit of reaching the quarterfinals is enormous. The player from Leganés is aware of this. "I have created memories for a lifetime, I will always hold dear what happened this year at Roland Garros," said a young man who admitted to watching the tournament on TV throughout his childhood and understanding the significance of winning four matches in his debut there.

He also expressed pleasant surprise at the organization and treatment received by players at such a prestigious event, while acknowledging that the intense heat during the tournament was the least enjoyable aspect. "It's amazing how they treat the players, especially when you reach the third or fourth round. They provide you with everything, the food is excellent, you have all kinds of facilities... The heat was tough; competing in those conditions was uncomfortable. I hope it will be cooler next year," he stated.

Rafa Jódar and Dealing with Inexperience-Related "Controversies" at Roland Garros

There were some days when the Madrid native was in the spotlight due to an alleged push on a ball girl, which was admitted to not have occurred, and for not shaking hands with a girl when stepping onto the court. He explained that it was all due to his lack of experience since he was unaware of these protocols. "I try not to pay attention to opinions on social media. There are many new things for me to learn. I will have these rookie mistakes," he commented.

Rafael Jódar at COPE. Photo: gettyimages

Rafael Jódar's Great Hopes for the Remainder of the Season and the Importance of His Father

With a privileged position in the ATP rankings and improving daily, it is impossible not to imagine a bright future in the short term for Jódar. He is aware that in the remaining months of the year, he will live great experiences, singling out one as the main goal. "What excites me the most is playing in the two remaining Grand Slams, especially the US Open, where I was a junior champion and I am sure I will feel something special upon my return," he affirmed.

Moreover, he understands that progressing through the stages of his career will be greatly influenced by matches against rivals like Zverev, who truly provide him with a clear sense of where his tennis stands currently and what he must do to match their level. "Playing against the best in the world is what motivates me the most. If I had the chance to play all tournaments against this caliber of players, my level would improve significantly," he explained.

Regarding his close professional relationship with his father, Rafael Jódar emphatically highlighted that the reason he plays tennis is his father, as they enjoyed it together, making it a way to spend time with each other. "I am very grateful to him for always being there supporting me and for all the work he has put in to get us where we are," said a player already looking forward to the grass court tour, with Wimbledon 2026 as a key event.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jódar hace balance de Roland Garros y se marca objetivos para el resto de la temporada