Rafa Jodar’s dream run at Roland Garros has finally come to an end after his quarterfinal defeat to Alexander Zverev.
The second seed at the Grand Slam tournament in Paris, Zverev triumphed 7-6(7-3), 6-1, 6-3 after two hours and 25 minutes.
The three-time Grand Slam finalist now meets the winner of the quarterfinal between Jakub Mensik and Joao Fonseca.
Meanwhile, Jodar can leave the French capital with his head held high, making it all the way to the last eight on his Roland Garros debut.
The young Spaniard analyzed the game after the loss, when he was also asked if he thinks Zverev is the favorite to lift the trophy thanks to his efforts at the event so far.
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Rafa Jodar discusses Alexander Zverev’s Roland Garros chances
Jodar replied: “I mean, he has to win two more matches.
“All the players that are in the semifinals on Friday have the same chances
“If they are in the semifinals, it is because they have done great results.
“I wish them all the best, and the best player who plays in the weekend will win the title.”
It was a very mature response from the 19-year-old, who is well aware of the other talented players remaining in the draw.
At the time of his exit, Mensik and Fonseca were preparing for their match, while Italian trio Matteo Berrettini, Matteo Arnaldi and Flavio Cobolli are also into the last eight, alongside Felix Auger-Aliassime.
| Rafa Jodar | Alexander Zverev | |
| 56%(57/102) | Service points won | 69%(62/90) |
| 31%(28/90) | Return points won | 44%(45/102) |
| 44%(85/192) | Total points won | 56%(107/192) |
Rafa Jodar says how he can reach Alexander Zverev’s level
Jodar was tasked with sharing further comment on his latest opponent, having been asked to describe Zverev’s main weapon and if he felt that he was sometimes too far from the ball, that the German was hitting too hard.
“I mean, he’s a great player,” responded Jodar. “He does everything very well. He has a lot of experience.
“He has been in this kind of stages a lot of years, and I think that’s very important to face the important and the pressure moments in the match.
“And yeah overall he does everything very good, so if one day I want to be in that level I am aware that I have to work hard.”
Given his superb performances on debut in the French capital, the future is certainly looking bright for the ATP rising star, who is one of many exciting youngsters in the men’s game.
Before falling to Zverev, Jodar knocked out American duo Aleksandar Kovacevic and Alex Michelsen, Australian James Duckworth and fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.
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