Rafael Jodar He is one of the three young Spaniards who compete in the Wimbledon junior draw along with Izan Almaz�n Andr�s Santamar�a. The 17-year-old from Madrid, who already measures 1.90 meters, sits down with MARCA before his debut in the tournament against the Korean Hwang, from the previous round. It will be his third major in the category.
Ask. You have just won the Roehampton preparatory event last week. To what extent did it surprise you considering your limited experience on the grass?
Answer. It was the first time I played on grass. I arrived three days early to prepare well. The adaptation was very quick. I didn’t expect to win, but I managed the important moments very well.
Q. Have you ever stepped foot on a natural grass field?
R. No never. In Spain I have trained on hard and on an artificial grass track in Barcelona.
Q. Where do you have your training base set?
R. I have trained all my life in Madrid, at the Chamartín Tennis Club. He prepared both Roland Garros and Wimbledon in Barcelona, at the BTT academy, with Francis Roig and Harrison.
Q. How and when did you get started in the sport of racket?
R. I like all sports, but when I was little I started playing tennis in the garage. Then I went to a paddle tennis court, because the distances were shorter, and when I was six years old I signed up for Chamartín.
Q. When did you realize that you wanted to be a professional tennis player?
R. My goal all these years has been to have fun. I have always liked to compete, I am competitive and I like to win, I have that gene.
Q. Last season you already hit the table by becoming Spanish junior champion.
R. It was a very nice tournament, in Reus, and I am happy with the result. I was accompanied by my family and my father. The results motivated me to continue working every day.
Q. Are you still studying?
R. I finished second year of high school in April. I go to an in-person school every morning. It has been a tough year because when you miss a week for a tournament, you come back quite lost. My plan is to continue studying because you never know if you may have an injury. You have to have a plan B.
Q. Is it more about literature or science?
R. I have studied chemistry and biology.
P. �Tiene alg�n �dolo?
R. Obviously Alcaraz and Nadal have been my references, especially Nadal, who when I was little I saw him win the ‘Grand Slam’. The first match I remember watching on TV was Nadal against Djokovic in the Australian final, which Novak won.
Q. Are you one of those who asks to take photos?
R. Last year I was sparring at the Mutua Madrid Open and I have photos with Alcaraz, Tsitsipas, Aliassime, De Mi�aur… They are normal people who have their lives and their routines.
Q. You are already 1.90 meters tall. To what extent is height important in today’s tennis?
R. I think it is very important, especially for serving. It also depends on the surface.
