Rafael Jódar se convierte en el primer tenista nacido en 2006 que alcanza las semifinales de un Masters 1000.
El español logró esta hazaña en Montreal tras firmar una actuación de primer nivel frente a Arthur Fils, al que derrotó por 7-6 (5) y 6-3. A sus 19 años, el jugador madrileño parece haber entendido ya una de las grandes cualidades que pueden marcar la diferencia en la progresión de un deportista: la disposición a sacrificarse día tras día para seguir mejorando.
Justo después del partido contra Fils, Jódar volvió a mostrar su humildad. No quiso hablar demasiado de la clasificación, ya que las lecciones que aprende sobre la pista son, especialmente en este momento, más importantes que cualquier número.
Jódar sigue imparable
"I am very happy with this tournament and the fact that my level is growing. I'm really happy to have reached my first semi-final in a Masters 1000 in Canada. I'm doing the right things with my father and all the people who are close to me, I just try to follow my own path. I think that's the key, one of the most important aspects: to keep pushing and improving, because there are still so many things I have to learn, both on and off the court," Jódar declaró en rueda de prensa.
"I try not to pay too much attention to what happens outside the tournament, but to focus on myself. My goal is always the same: to improve, discover tournaments during my first year on the Tour and play as many matches as possible. I don't think about climbing the standings, that is a secondary aspect and cannot be the main goal. I want to have fun on the court and enjoy all those that are new events for me."
Hubo un golpe en particular que permitió a Jódar poner bajo una enorme presión a Fils: el resto. "All the blows are important, but on a surface like concrete, the response is crucial. So it's something we're working on, like every other aspect of my game. I think in matches like this, in a Masters 1000 quarterfinal, you have to try to give your best, try to play your tennis. I think I did a great job today, especially in the important moments and in the phases of greatest pressure," explicó.