Rafael Jodar sends blunt message despite Top 10 surge: “I’m not trying to go up in the rankings”

Wednesday, 12 August 2026 at 06:30

Rafael Jodar raises his right arm and points his finger to the sky while celebrating a point.

Rafael Jodar continues to reach new heights in what has become a remarkable breakthrough season for the 19-year-old Spaniard. Jodar booked his place in his first ATP Masters 1000 semifinal in Montreal on Tuesday, defeating Arthur Fils 7-6(5), 6-3 after a match that tested his composure on several occasions.

The Spaniard had been in control of the opening set at 4-1 before Fils fought back to level the contest at 5-4, with rain then interrupting play for around an hour. Jodar also surrendered an early break advantage in the second set, but once again managed to stay composed when the match became increasingly tense.

He eventually completed a one-hour, 42-minute victory to become the first player born in 2006 or later to reach the last four at a Masters 1000 event.

For Jodar, however, the result is not necessarily a reason to change the way he approaches his season. Despite his extraordinary rise up the rankings, the teenager insisted after the match that his priorities remain focused on development rather than chasing a particular position.

Jodar explains how he stayed calm against Fils

Jodar began 2026 ranked No. 168 and is now just outside the Top 10, sitting at No. 11 in the live rankings after his run in Montreal. He could move as high as No. 9 if he wins the title.

That rise has come alongside a remarkable run of results. Jodar has now reached four ATP Tour semifinals this season, following his runs in Marrakech (title), Barcelona (semis) and Washington (runner-up).

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Jodar's biggest test against Fils came after he appeared to be in control of both sets. He led 4-1 in the opening set before Fils fought back, while the Frenchman also recovered an early break in the second. Neither moment caused Jodar to lose his composure.

Asked how he managed to remain calm after seeing his advantage disappear, Jodar pointed to the same approach that has guided him throughout his breakthrough season.

“I knew that I was doing things right,” Jodar said. “I think he played a good game when he broke my serve in the fourth game of the second set. I was just trying to [play] my game and see what happened. That worked perfectly today, and I stayed very calm during those important pressure moments of the match.”

Rafael Jodar at Roland Garros 2026

The teenager also acknowledged that defeating Fils was never going to be straightforward, even after taking control of the match. Jodar had already beaten the Frenchman in Washington in late July, meaning Tuesday's victory gave him a 2-1 advantage in their head-to-head record.

“It wasn’t going to be easy, and I knew that even going a set and a break up,” Jodar said. “The match was not finished, because Arthur always gives his best until the finish.”

Rankings rise not changing Jodar's priorities

The numbers surrounding Jodar's 2026 season are increasingly difficult to ignore, but the Spaniard continues to insist that rankings are not his primary objective.

Asked about his goals when the season began, Jodar explained that his approach has remained largely unchanged despite his rapid climb.

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“Yeah, no, my goal is still the same: to improve, to discover all the tournaments in my first year on the Tour and to play a lot of matches if it’s possible because of the results,” he said. “And that’s it. I mean, not trying to go up in the rankings. I think that’s more secondary and that’s something that it shouldn’t be your primary thing and your goal.”

Instead, Jodar says he wants to enjoy the experience of competing at the biggest tournaments while continuing to develop both on and off the court. “My goal is to have fun on court and to enjoy all the tournaments that are new for me,” he added.

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That mindset has served him well. After reaching the final in Washington last week, Jodar has immediately followed it with his deepest Masters 1000 run yet in Montreal. He now has another opportunity to extend a season that has already taken him from No. 168 to the brink of the Top 10.

Jodar, though, remains determined not to look too far ahead. “I’m just trying to follow my own path,” he said. “I think that’s the key and one of the most important things to keep pushing and to keep improving because there’s still a lot of things that I have to learn, on and off the court.”

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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