Montreal, August 12: Rafael Jodar secured his place in the semifinals of the Canadian Open by defeating Arthur Fils with a score of 7-6 (5), 6-3. The 19-year-old Spaniard has become the first teenager to reach the men’s semifinals at the Canadian Open since 2018.
Jodar began the year ranked 165th. With his victory over the French player, he climbed to 11th in the live rankings. This marks his fourth ATP Tour semifinal of the year, following events in Marrakech, Barcelona, and Washington, as he aims for a spot in the ATP top 10.
Based on other results, he could reach 9th place by winning the title in Canada.
After an initial swing of two games, Jodar saved a break point and then broke Fils to lead 2-0. He consistently pressured Fils with his returns and impressive baseline play.
Fils saved two break points at 0-3 and three more at 1-4. He started the seventh game by winning a 28-shot rally against Jodar. In another lengthy exchange, both players struck cross-court forehands before Fils claimed another point.
As Fils served at 4-5, 30-0, rain interrupted the match at an inopportune moment. After nearly an hour’s delay, play resumed with Fils leveling the score at 5-5.
Despite the interruption, the rallies remained thrilling. Jodar concluded the 11th game with a volley winner after a 25-shot rally.
The only mini-break in the tiebreak came when Jodar executed a backhand down the line. Fils returned with a forehand swipe, but Jodar responded with a perfect drop shot to lead 2-1.
In the second set, another drop shot earned him a break at 2-1, leading Fils to express his frustration on his racket. Fils returned to serve but Jodar answered back to lead 4-3. When Jodar was at the net, Fils gave him a chance for a volley, which he successfully converted.
Jodar will face Brandon Nakashima in the semifinals.
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PAK
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