Rublev, Fils fightbacks set up Barcelona Open final

Frenchman Arthur Fils overcame in-form teenager Rafael Jodar 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Saturday to set up a Barcelona Open final with resurgent Russian Andrey Rublev.

Rublev also came from a set down to beat Serbia's Hamad Medjedovic 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in their semifinal earlier on Saturday.

You will NOT want to miss this ✌️💪

Backing @AndreyRublev97 or @ArthurFils?@bcnopenbs | #BCNOpenBS pic.twitter.com/TSxZcU23yd

Fils returned from an eight-month injury absence in February and has been in strong form, finishing as runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz in Doha, and will be hoping to lift a fourth trophy of his career on Sunday.

Jodar had won all three of his matches this week in straight sets, including against world number 24 Cameron Norrie, and he started brightly in front of an encouraging home crowd.

But the 19-year-old faded physically as the contest continued.

"On the TV, I don't think you can see how hard he (Jodar) is hitting," Fils said. "The ball is flying and coming very fast. It took me one set to get used to his quality, and then after I felt better and I finished very strong. But he is going to be a pain in the ass to play."

Looking ahead to the decider, Fils said he was expected another tough challenge against the 15th-ranked Rublev.

Captivating clash 🇫🇷@ArthurFils levels 6-3 to earn a one set shootout with Jodar!@bcnopenbs | #BCNOpenBS pic.twitter.com/lPeX5v3bBJ — ATP Tour (@atptour) April 18, 2026

"You can win a lot of matches but then miss in the final, and I'm sure this will be tough. Andrey is a great player and a great guy," said Fils.

For the 28-year-old Rublev, this will be the 29th final of his career.

Rublev ended a run of four straight semifinal losses, having fallen in the last four in Hong Kong, Doha and Dubai this season.

Just one step away 😗🤌

[5] @AndreyRublev97 reaches his 1st final of the season 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 🆚 Medjedovic@bcnopenbs | #BCNOpenBS pic.twitter.com/unbXEuMxr7 — ATP Tour (@atptour) April 18, 2026

"I was just trying to not let the emotions overtake me," said Rublev. "I was down, but then I said 'I have a chance'. In the end, I was able to get my chance. The third set was 50-50. It was super dangerous until I was able to break him and finish the match."

World No 2 Alcaraz, the Barcelona champion in 2022 and 2023,withdrew from the tournament with a wrist injury on Wednesday and then also pulled out of next week's Madrid Ma