Rafael Jódar arrives at the ATP Finals in Turin with a clear mindset, stating he feels “no pressure” as he prepares to make his debut in the prestigious season-ending tournament.
The Spaniard, who has experienced a rapid rise through the professional ranks this season, spoke with the Spanish press on Friday about his expectations for the event. He characterized the current week as a “reward” for the consistency and results he produced throughout the year, according to reporting by Telemadrid.
Jódar became the first player in tennis history to qualify for the ATP Finals in his debut professional season. His journey to Turin was defined by a series of deep runs in high-profile events, including a title win in Marrakech.
Beyond his success in Morocco, Jódar reached the semifinals in Barcelona and secured quarterfinal finishes at the Madrid Open, the Italian Open in Rome, and Roland Garros. He also added a runner-up finish at the Shanghai Masters to his season resume.
Reflecting on the intensity of his schedule, Jódar told the media that while the pace was demanding, he believes he handled the transition to the elite level of the game in the best way possible.
“I think it has been a year in which things have gone very fast, playing so many tournaments and traveling so much, playing against the best in the world; in the end, it doesn’t give you time to assimilate it,” Jódar said.
As one of the tournament’s four debutants, joining Frances Tiafoe, Arthur Fils, and Flavio Cobolli, Jódar confirmed that he is physically prepared for the challenge ahead. He has already begun training in Turin, where he was spotted on the practice courts alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
The Spaniard emphasized that his performance this year was not a solo effort, crediting the support system he has maintained throughout his development. “I have a group of people around me who want the best for me,” he said. “They have been with me since I was little, and in the end, that is what I keep.”
Jódar views the upcoming matches in Italy as the first part of a two-week stretch to close his season. Following the conclusion of the ATP Finals, he is expected to transition to the Davis Cup, a competition he described as a special opportunity for any Spanish player.
“These last two tournaments I think should be taken as a prize, right? For this season that I have had, both here in Turin at the ATP Finals and I think next week at the Davis Cup,” Jódar said. “They are two very special weeks that every Spanish player would like to participate in.”
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