The first in a long list

Normally, we're going to be getting a lot of Jodar/Fils in the coming years

Jodar is absolutely exploding this week and the guy is simply on fire right now. He’s averaging 5 games lost per match in Barcelona after his first three rounds, he’s steamrolling all his opponents without flinching. The only small downside is his start to matches: he got broken straight away against Carabelli and Norrie but immediately bounced back so as not to let any doubt creep in. His game is insanely powerful even on clay; as soon as he can plant his feet and hit hard, he does huge damage. He’s still erratic, but what he’s already producing is basically unplayable. He’s on an 8‑match winning streak, carried by the crowd, everything is set up for him to keep riding this wave of confidence. Everything looks great BUT during this winning streak he hasn’t yet faced a player of Fils’ level, so a more complicated match awaits him tomorrow and we’ll see how well he can respond.

Because yes, for me Fils is entering the top‑10 discussion this season, and maybe even top 5 considering the level he’s showing week after week. He’s become so strong by smoothing out his game; he sums up the change well by saying what he does is less spectacular now but so much more solid. He’s just beaten Musetti easily—the Italian wasn’t at his best, but Fils’ match is almost perfect, there’s nothing to criticize. His recent losses have often come down to fatigue that stopped him from really playing his best tennis; this week he hasn’t spent much energy and he already seems so strong on clay that, to me, it’s on him to show who’s boss tomorrow.

For a first meeting, I feel he has the edge in terms of tennis. His returning quality can make the difference, just like his physical attributes; he knows how to absorb pressure and hurt opponents on the counter, and he can also dictate play with his forehand. To put it simply, I think he’s ahead of Jodar right now. The Spaniard is playing very well, but his game is extremely risky and still runs into trouble because he has no plan B. Fils was in the same situation a few months ago and he’s really evolved since then. I believe he’ll get the better of him thanks to his greater experience, on top of already being ahead in pure tennis.