Jódar subscribes to comebacks in Shanghai

Diego Jiménez Rubio - 12 Oct 2026 | 11:03
Rafael Jódar Jiri Lehecka ATP ATP Shanghái 2026

The Spaniard managed to win in three sets against a tough Lehecka to advance to the round of sixteen and continue dreaming of a spot in the ATP Finals.

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Rafael Jódar in Shanghai against Lehecka. Photo: gettyimages

Rafael Jódar secured a ticket to the round of 16 of the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2026 after a legendary victory over Jiri Lehecka. The final score was 4-6 7-6 (2) 6-4 for the young player from Madrid, who showcased the intangible qualities of a budding champion. He awaits Fils or Botic.

A continuous learning process, a constant challenge to himself to explore his limits, and a fierce will to improve. All of this is what Rafael Jódar transmits in every match, regardless of the final result. Being a part of such a stellar season in his first year as a professional means making the most of everything. Including a daunting challenge like facing Jiri Lehecka at the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2026.

How Jódar's victory over Lehecka in Shanghai unfolded

Few tennis players in the world can adapt as well to the grinding baseline rhythm that Jódar can impose with his flat shots as Lehecka. The Czech entered the court in the first set with tremendous intensity and showed a much higher ball speed and accuracy level than the Spaniard. He achieved the break in the third game and maintained the advantage comfortably, only facing a few concerning situations in the tenth game.

He avoided the pressure with his serve and completely neutralized a Jódar who couldn’t find a way to dictate the rhythm of the match. The green shoots at the end of the initial set became more visible in a second set where Lehecka lowered his level of precision and Rafa could enter the court more and take charge with his shots. It felt like a break in his favor was brewing, but Jiri reacted to every adverse situation with ferocity.

Rafa Jódar finished the match with 24 winners and 20 unforced errors

The match reached a tiebreak after a great battle of fireworks from both sides, and there the best version of the Spaniard emerged. Dazzling parallel backhands, accurate cross drives at high speed, and a wide array of unreturnable shots for the Czech, who became desperate at his opponent's display of composure.

The anticipation for the third set was high, with both players eager to impose their authority from the baseline and willing to endure when the other took the initiative. They stood strong on serve to suppress any rebellious airs from the opponent. Rafa hinted at breaking in the seventh game, but ran into a very solid Lehecka in defense.

But on the Czech's next service game, with the score at 4-4, Rafa went all out, taking advantage of his opponent's second serves and securing the break at the right moment, the moment when the best elevate their level. He closed the match with tremendous confidence, once again demonstrating his worth and earning a spot in the round of 16 at the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai 2026. Reasons to dream and have hope with Rafael Jódar.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jódar se abona a las remontadas en Shanghái