Sport: Tennis. Rafael Jodar Eliminates the 21st Ranked Player in 2 Sets at Rome ATP

Rafael Jodar (34th in the world for 52 weeks) advances to the quarterfinals of the Rome tournament.
He defeated Leaner Tien, 21st in the ATP rankings (for 52 weeks), with a score of 6/1 6/4.
Tien seemed out of the game, easily beaten in the first set.
He tried to regain the lead in the second set, managing to break, but immediately lost his service game as well.
Back on equal terms, Rafael Jodar obviously regained his confidence.
On the other hand, Leaner Tien made too many unforced errors to win this match.
He appeared frustrated, not seeming to be in the game, even throwing his racket on the ground at one point in the second set. Was it because he didn’t feel well or because he sensed Rafael Jodar’s strength against him in this match?
In any case, Rafael Jodar continues to perform well in tournaments since his victory at the ATP 250 in Marrakech (Barcelona, Madrid, and now Rome). In good physical shape, with a clean game, beautiful accelerations, and certainly high morale after so many victories.
A great success and preparation for the end of this tournament and also for the upcoming Roland-Garros!

In the ATP Race rankings (since January 1, 2026), Leaner Tien is now 23rd in the world, and Rafael Jodar is 12th.

Philippe Brossard-Lotz
Le Reporter sablais

Sport: Tennis. Rafael Jodar in the Round of 16 of the Rome Tournament

Rafael Jodar (19 years old – 34th in the world) defeated Matteo Arnaldi (25 years old – 106th in the ATP rankings) in the round of 16 with a score of 6/1 4/6 6/3.
After a strong first set, Rafael Jodar had a momentary lapse that his opponent took advantage of to win the second set with a score of 6/4.
In the third set, Rafael regrouped and reduced the number of unforced errors.
He is now in the round of 16, where he will face American Learner Tien (20 years old – 21st in the world). Tien just defeated Alexander Bublik (28 years old – 11th in the world) with a score of 4/6 6/3 7/5.
The match will be challenging for Rafael Jodar, but it promises to be exciting.

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Sport: Tennis. Rafael Jodar, the champion of Marrakech, becomes the 34th world player in the ATP rankings as of May 4, 2026

ATP Rankings as of May 4, 2026
Since mid-April 2025, Sinner holds the top spot globally, bolstered by his victories in Monte-Carlo and Madrid.
Behind, Alcaraz is struggling and will struggle; as he is wrist-injured and will not be able to play in Rome and Roland-Garros.
Zverev remains on the podium, but far behind the top two in terms of points: 5805 points compared to 12960 for Alcaraz and 14350 for Sinner.
Among the French players, note the rise of Arthur Fils – semifinalist in Madrid – who climbs to the 17th position.

Further details about the ATP and ATP Race rankings are included in the original content but have not been translated for brevity.