Rafa Jódar reveals the mentality that is taking him to another level
After his first two victories in Cincinnati, the Spaniard spoke with the press about his level of tennis and the great feat he achieved against Shapovalov a few days ago.
The Rafa Jódar festival continues at the Cincinnati Masters 1000, although each day brings us a different act. After signing an incredible comeback in the first round, last night he gave a masterclass against a completely overwhelmed Tabilo.
Here lies one of the secrets of the Madrid player, someone who at 19 already seems to have solutions for every problem that arises on the court. If it’s time to grit his teeth and suffer, Rafa Jódar will be ready for battle. Conversely, if everything flows and the opponent doesn’t see it coming, the Spaniard will also be there, prepared to unleash the bulldozer. In his latest interview with Tennis Channel, the current world #11 revealed where this winning mentality comes from.
A serve that makes a difference
“I think I served really well today, which helped me start the points better and get into the match with more rhythm. I knew I was playing against a very tough opponent like Alejandro Tabilo, who always plays very well in these conditions, so I’m very happy with how I managed my nerves and the pressure. It’s something we’ve been working on recently. It’s difficult because you play many matches and don’t have much time to work on those little details that I think make a difference, but overall, I think there’s still a lot of room for development and improvement in my game, not just in serving.”
Jódar explains his epic comeback against Shapovalov
“It was tough, obviously, because I was down 5-1 in the third set, and it wasn’t just that I was 5-1 down, but the conditions were complicated. Denis was playing great tennis, and I was struggling a bit physically. So I just tried to hang in there, play my tennis, hit a lot of balls, and put one more in than the opponent. Luckily, I managed to win that match, and I think it gave me a lot of confidence for today’s match. It’s important to win matches when things are going your way, but also those in which you might not be playing so well. Trying to hang on and come back is also good. That’s what champions do.”
This is how Rafa Jódar's mind works on the court
“Until you lose the last point... the match isn’t over. You just have to try to be there and play your game. It’s difficult because you’re not playing your best tennis, and the other is playing at a very high level. It’s easy to say, but very hard to do. In those moments, you have to be there for yourself, try to go for it, and think about the next point, without thinking further ahead.”
Nothing builds confidence like winning
“I think I’m playing good tennis right now. I’m doing things well, and when you play a lot of matches, you get match rhythm, which is very important. Physically, I think I’m in great shape, and I’m making the most of my rest days, doing light workouts and resting. Overall, I think I’m doing a great job off the court, which is very important when playing so many matches.”
Cobolli, next challenge
“It will be a very tough match, as always in the round of 16 of a Masters 1000. I will try to recover well tomorrow, make the most of the rest day, and prepare for the match in the best way possible. He is a great player, and if I want to have chances of winning that match, I will have to give my best.”
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