Jódar announces changes to its schedule for 2027
The Spanish addressed several current issues at the press conference held after his triumphant debut in Shanghai.
Rafael Jódar appeared before the accredited media at the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2026 after starting his journey in the Chinese tournament with a hard-fought victory against Tirante. He was asked about the possibility of being trained by Juan Carlos Ferrero, potential changes in his calendar for 2027, and his overall feelings on the court.
Every week is an opportunity to learn and continue evolving. In this way, Rafael Jódar approaches all tournaments, aware that he has exciting challenges ahead for the rest of the season, but also that he is involved in a long-term project and that everything he experiences in these months, whether positive or negative, will decisively impact the future of his professional career. He expressed himself in these terms during the press conference at the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2026.
Feelings on court and how to handle media attention
"The level is very high in these tournaments, all players are dangerous, and being a seed gives you the advantage of starting in the second round, but at the same time, you face someone who has already won a match. I needed great tennis to win against Tirante; I am satisfied with how I managed the important situations. Everything swung my way by just a few points."
"You have to adapt to the commitments that I am starting to have in each tournament. It’s part of our job, and we have to manage it in the best way possible. As long as everyone respects the players, I think being part of events beyond the courts is a good way to connect with people."
Jodar hustles through 👉 The Spanish No. 2 defeats Tirante 4-6 6-2 6-3 for a debut win at the #RolexShanghaiMasters https://t.co/AKcK7D4skw
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 10, 2026
Assessment of his season and possible calendar changes for 2027
"I am aware that I am playing many matches this year, but that is something positive because it means I am capable of winning a lot. This is my first season as a professional; I am clear that there are many things to learn and continue improving. When the season is over, I will analyze my calendar to organize it more efficiently, but in this first year, I felt I needed to discover the experience of playing as much as possible. In 2027, I will choose which tournaments to play and which ones to skip."
Evaded question about Juan Carlos Ferrero
One of the journalists present at the press conference asked Jódar about the possibility of being trained by Ferrero next year, even inquiring whether he had already spoken with his compatriot about a potential collaboration. The Madrid player chose to sidestep the question.
"Right now, I am going to focus on my next match. Then I have two more tournaments left, three if I am selected to play in the Davis Cup, which is something that motivates me a lot. After that, I will have a month to think about the next season and prepare in the best way possible."
It is surprising that Rafael Jódar does not consider the possibility of participating in the ATP Finals 2026 in his calendar for the rest of the year, something quite feasible if he achieves good results in Shanghai, Basel, and Paris. For now, it is necessary to focus on what he can achieve in the event held in China.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jódar anuncia cambios en su calendario para el 2027