Spain's Rafa Jodar advanced to the round of 16 at the Shanghai Masters after recovering from a set down to defeat Czech player Jiri Lehecka 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-4.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the 20-year-old secured the third-round victory in 2 hours, 42 minutes against the world No. 16.
Jodar, ranked No. 13, advanced despite Lehecka's powerful serve and recent appearance in the Tokyo final against Carlos Alcaraz.
The Spanish player did not break his opponent's serve until the penultimate game, when he converted the opportunity without dropping a point.
Deciding Set Consistency
The deciding set highlighted Jodar's improved consistency.
According to Mundo Deportivo, he committed no unforced errors in the third set after weathering several difficult moments earlier in the match.
Jodar faced a critical situation at 4-6, 5-5, when Lehecka earned a break point.
The Spaniard held firm, eventually taking control of the match and securing another significant result during his first professional season.
After the match, Jodar described the challenge posed by the playing conditions and his opponent's recent form.
"It was very tough, in conditions that favored Lehecka, who had just come from the Tokyo final.
The ball was very fast, but opportunities eventually came along, and I'm happy that I held on and took advantage of them," Jodar said, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The victory added 50 ranking points and kept Jodar's possibility of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin alive, Mundo Deportivo reported.
The Spaniard had previously accumulated 56 singles matches by age 20, with the physical and mental demands of a busy first professional season presenting occasional challenges.
Jodar and his father, who also serves as his coach, had chosen to prioritize gaining experience across tournaments and against a wide range of opponents.
His results have exceeded their initial ambitions, although his development as a player remains ongoing.
Jodar will face either France's Arthur Fils or the Netherlands' Botic Van de Zandschulp in the round of 16 in Shanghai.
The match will determine whether the Spaniard can extend his run at the ATP Masters 1000 event.
