Fils Triumphs Over Rising Star Jodar to Set Up Final Showdown with Rublev in Barcelona
Fils battles through three intense sets to notch his 100th career tour-level victory.
April 18, 2026
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Arthur Fils edges past Rafael Jodar in a thrilling three-set match this Saturday in Barcelona.
By ATP Staff
Arthur Fils faced a formidable challenge from Rafael Jodar at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on Saturday, but the ninth seed emerged victorious, denying the Spaniard another high-profile scalp.
In a match that showcased the skills of two of the ATP Tour’s most promising talents, Fils clinched victory with scores of 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, advancing to his second ATP 500 final of the year. The 21-year-old Frenchman unleashed 28 powerful winners in front of an enthusiastic Catalan crowd, ending Jodar’s impressive eight-match winning streak.
Fils reaches a milestone! 🔥@ArthurFils@bcnopenbs | #BCNOpenBS pic.twitter.com/RzUzLHJATA
— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 18, 2026
“On TV, it doesn’t convey how hard he [Jodar] hits,” Fils remarked. “The speed of the ball is incredible. It took me a set to adapt to his level, but afterward, I felt more in control and finished strongly. He’s definitely someone to watch out for.”
Fils completed the match in one hour and 51 minutes, marking a remarkable 100th tour-level win. Now, he sets his sights on a championship clash with Andrey Rublev, who earlier advanced past qualifier Hamad Medjedovic with a scoreline of 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Following a tumultuous 2025 season plagued by injuries, Fils has made a remarkable comeback. Since his return in Montpellier this February, he boasts a record of 17-5 for 2026, highlighted by a run to the ATP 500 final in Doha and a semi-final appearance in Miami.
Playing Jodar for the first time, Fils exhibited remarkable composure under pressure, saving six of the seven break points he faced, as detailed by Infosys ATP Stats. While the 19-year-old Spaniard matched him fiercely at the start, Fils elevated his game decisively in the last two sets, establishing dominance with his powerful and consistent shots.
Despite the defeat, Jodar’s breakthrough season continues to astonish. After reaching the semi-finals in Barcelona, he jumped 13 spots to No. 42 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings and recently claimed his first ATP Tour title in Marrakech.
Earlier in the day, Rublev broke a four-match semi-final drought by defeating Medjedovic, earning him a spot in his 29th ATP Tour final and marking his first of the 2026 season. With 115 victories at ATP 500 level, Rublev ranks fourth in all-time wins since this series began in 2009.
“I just tried to keep my emotions in check,” Rublev said following his win. “I was down at one point, but I told myself, ‘I still have my chance.’ In the end, I capitalized on it. The third set felt uncertain until I managed to break him and finish strong.”
