He did not win the final but Rafa Jódar is already fifteenth in the world. He did not take the title in Washington but climbed another step in a forward-moving career that is making him the revelation player of the season on the circuit. He fell to an experienced Taylor Fritz 7-6 (2), 6-4, in 1 hour and 49 minutes but gained valuable experience for upcoming commitments. It was only his second final after the one he won in Marrakech but in a tournament, the one in the U.S. capital, of a higher category. A result that even allows him to dream of being in the ATP Finals. We shall see, but his progression is there.
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It was not easy to get into the swing of things. A day delayed due to rain at the start of the final, bright sun, but also an uncomfortable wind, a fast court and even faster balls, and an experienced opponent in his element under these conditions.
In the most important final of his short career, the Spaniard saved up to four match points
Even so, Jódar (19 years old) put up a strong fight, saved a first (and only in the entire first set) break point against him and also had his chance to break the American’s serve. He did not succeed either but maintained his level solidly with his serve and on a couple of occasions put pressure on Fritz’s return. He lacked a bit more luck to create more break points and did not fully capitalize on the fact that the American was not managing to raise his first serve percentage.
Jódar was winning most of the rallies, played his opponent to the body and did not let him move comfortably but Fritz (28 years old) was relying on his craft. A powerful forehand here, a couple of good serves there, and step by step. Fritz is not a player of many subtleties but what he does, he usually does with judgment. Cheered on by some friends in the stands, since Jódar studied at the University of Virginia, and with his father and coach in his corner, the Madrid native did not lose composure either.
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That is why the logical thing happened, that the first set had to be decided in a tie-break. As in their only previous meeting, Fritz took it. In the tie-break, the world number nine raised his level, limited errors, took advantage of opportunities, and showed why experience was on his side.
On a court like this, there is usually not much rhythm of play and the match feeds on episodic moments rather than continuity. That is why it was up to Jódar not to collapse because if he showed signs of weakness, Fritz, who had lost the three finals he played in 2026, would go for the jugular. Said and done. The American increased his aggression on the return, pressured every point, suffocated Jódar, and broke his serve at the start of the second set, which was the first break of the match.
In that stretch, everything was going Fritz’s way as he went up 3-0 with a second break. A whirlwind was passing over Jódar who, despite this, had not said his last word. He showed courage, clung to the court, and recovered one of the serves, but his reaction could not go further. With 5-4 down, he saved four match points but on the fifth, he fell. He did not win the final but is making remarkable progress at a notable speed. Now he faces the Montreal Masters 1000, although he finished the match with problems in his left wrist after a fall. That should be his next stop.
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