Rafa Jódar made his debut in Rome with a statement victory.
/ EFE
Rafa Jódar defeated Matteo Arnaldi in the third round of the Rome Masters 1000, silencing the home crowd at the Foro Italico. The young Spaniard, just 19 years old, delivered a commanding performance to advance to the round of 16.
After a dominant first set, Jódar faced a fierce comeback from Arnaldi, who pushed the match into a deciding set. However, the Madrid native held his nerve, closing out the match with a final score that reflected his growing maturity on clay.
Jódar’s rise has been remarkable. He now holds a 13-2 record on clay at the ATP level, following his title win in Marrakech, a semifinal appearance in Barcelona (where he lost to Fils), and quarterfinal runs in Madrid (falling to world No. 1 Sinner). This tournament marks the first time he has been seeded at an ATP Tour event. His record against players outside the Top 50 this season stands at 12-1, with his only loss coming against No. 63 Atmane in the second round of Acapulco.
Jódar in action during his debut match in Rome.
/ EFE
The match began with Jódar taking control, but Arnaldi fought back to level the contest. The Italian crowd erupted as Arnaldi won the second set, turning the Foro Italico into a cauldron. Yet Jódar responded with poise, breaking early in the third set and never looking back.
This victory further cements Jódar’s status as a rising star, with Roland Garros looming. His consistent results on clay—reaching the latter stages in Barcelona and Madrid—have positioned him well for a deep run in Paris.
TAGS: Rafa Jódar, Matteo Arnaldi, Rome Masters 1000, ATP, tennis, clay court
