Rafa Jódar will make his debut at the Rome Masters 1000 this Friday. The Spaniard starts his campaign in the Italian tournament against Portugal’s Nuno Borges, with a clear goal: to secure a seeding for Roland Garros. He has a strong chance of achieving it, though he still needs to put the finishing touch on the last event before Paris.
In an interview with *Corriere della Sera* before the tournament, Jódar spoke about Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. “Sinner is a role model for me. More than a champion, he is a great person. He could be very arrogant, but he remains the same as when he started his journey. I learned a lot from my defeats,” Jódar said, highlighting the similarities he sees with the Italian.
Jódar has a closer relationship with Carlos Alcaraz. The two have known each other for a long time, as Jódar has joined Alcaraz in several Davis Cup training camps. “Now I consider him a friend. If there is anyone daring, it’s Carlos! I love everything about him,” he admitted. They have yet to face each other in an official match.
If Jódar gets past his first match against Nuno Borges, he could face Álex de Minaur. The Australian would likely be seeking revenge after the heavy defeat he suffered in Madrid at the hands of the young Spanish talent (6-3, 6-1). Still, Jódar is taking it step by step, without looking beyond the next match—a philosophy he repeats in every public statement.
The most important figure for Rafa Jódar is his father, his only companion at tournaments. His father acts as his coach, physiotherapist, and mental coach when needed. “I grew up with my father; I owe him everything. He hasn’t stopped being a teacher; he has become my personal mentor. I see no reason to change coaches now,” Jódar explained.
Jódar will aim for a strong result in Rome, where he has never played and therefore has no points to defend. However, he remains true to his values. “I was a free and happy child, raised primarily by my parents with good manners. Manners and humility are the guiding values for me. It is always better to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ too many times. Kindness and respect for everyone are important to me, even on the circuit.”
