Rafa Jódar has advanced to the third round of the 2026 Rome Masters 1000. After impressing the tennis world at the Barcelona and Madrid tournaments, the Madrid-born player made a strong debut at the Foro Italico, securing a decisive victory over Nuno Borges. Despite a tough first set, he closed out the match with confidence.
The level of play Jódar has shown over the past month has propelled him to 34th in the ATP rankings. Since he is defending no points from the previous edition, the Rome Masters 1000 presents a golden opportunity for the Leganés native to secure a seeded spot among the top 32 at Roland Garros. His first win significantly eases his path to the second Grand Slam of the season, though he will need to keep an eye on the performances of other contenders.
Jódar’s next challenge at the Rome Masters is Matteo Arnaldi, currently ranked 106th in the ATP standings. While the Italian’s ranking may suggest a straightforward match, he comes off a surprise victory in the previous round, where he eliminated top-10 player Alex de Minaur.
Rafa Jódar, Spain’s rising tennis star. / Oscar J. Barroso / AFP7 / Europa
When does Rafa Jódar play his next match at the 2026 Rome Masters?
Rafa Jódar will face Matteo Arnaldi in the third round of the 2026 Rome Masters on Sunday, May 10, with the exact time still to be determined.
How can you watch Jódar’s match at the 2026 Rome Masters on TV and online?
In Spain, Jódar’s match and all other Rome Masters 1000 fixtures can be watched on TV and online via Movistar+, which offers full tournament coverage through its various sports channels.
