Spanish tennis player Rafa Jódar continues his impressive run at Wimbledon 2026, where he has advanced to the third round and will face Japan's Shintaro Mochizuki. The match is scheduled for Friday, July 3, at the All England Club in London, though the exact start time has not yet been announced by tournament organizers. Jódar enters the contest as the clear favorite, having shown remarkable form on grass this season.
Jódar, a 21-year-old from Leganés, has emerged as one of the biggest revelations of the tennis season. He began his Wimbledon campaign with a straight-sets victory over Felix Gill, winning 6-3, 6-3, 7-5. His second-round match against fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreño was a dramatic affair that was suspended due to darkness when Jódar was trailing. The next day, he mounted a comeback to win 3-6, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, demonstrating resilience and mental fortitude.
This year has been a breakout season for Jódar. He won his first ATP 250 tournament in Marruecos, reached the semifinals of the Trofeo Conde de Godó, and made it to the quarterfinals of both the Mutua Madrid Open and Roland Garros. His performances have drawn comparisons to some of Spain's tennis greats, and he is now aiming for his first Grand Slam title, hoping to succeed reigning champion Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon.
Jódar and Mochizuki have never faced each other on the ATP Tour, making this a fresh matchup. Mochizuki, a Japanese player known for his agility and shot-making, will be looking to cause an upset. However, Jódar's recent form and experience in big matches give him the edge. The winner will advance to the fourth round, moving closer to the latter stages of the tournament.
In Spain, the match will be broadcast exclusively on Movistar+, which holds the television rights for Wimbledon. Viewers can watch on channels such as Movistar+ Plus, Vamos, or Movistar Deportes. The match will not be available on free-to-air television in Spain. For those who prefer streaming, the Movistar+ app is available on mobile phones, smart TVs, and tablets, and subscribers can also access the service via a computer through the provider's website.
For fans unable to watch on television, radio coverage will be provided by stations such as Radio Marca, Cadena SER, RNE, COPE, and Onda Cero, which are expected to broadcast live updates from the All England Club. Additionally, OKDIARIO will offer live minute-by-minute coverage, a full match report, and reactions from players and officials after the match.
Jódar's journey at Wimbledon 2026 has captured the attention of Spanish tennis fans, who see him as a potential successor to the country's rich tennis tradition. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his aggressive baseline game and improving grass-court skills, makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the draw. The match against Mochizuki is seen as a key test of his ambitions.
Mochizuki, ranked lower than Jódar, will rely on his speed and tactical intelligence to disrupt the Spaniard's rhythm. The Japanese player has shown flashes of brilliance in previous tournaments but has struggled for consistency. A win over Jódar would be a significant career milestone for him and could propel him into the spotlight.
The third-round clash is part of a busy schedule at Wimbledon, where several top seeds have already advanced. The tournament, held annually at the All England Club, is the third Grand Slam of the year and is known for its grass courts and traditions. This year's edition has seen several upsets and dramatic matches, adding to the excitement.
As Jódar prepares for the match, his team has emphasized the importance of staying focused and executing the game plan. The Spanish player has been working on his serve and return game, which have been key to his success on grass. With the support of Spanish fans and the experience gained from his recent tournaments, Jódar is confident of progressing further.
For tennis enthusiasts, the match promises to be an engaging contest between two players at different stages of their careers. Jódar, the rising star, aims to continue his ascent, while Mochizuki seeks to make a name for himself on one of the sport's biggest stages. The outcome will have implications for the rest of the tournament, as the winner will face a higher-seeded opponent in the next round.