Rafael Jodar news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Rafael Jodar, 19, ranked 13th, debuts at US Open main draw after winning junior title in.
His rapid rise from 165th to near Top 10 makes him a contender for.
Background
Rafael Jodar, a 19-year-old Spaniard, has had a breakout 2026 season. Starting the year at World No. 165, he has climbed to No. 13 and is ninth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, positioning him for a potential ATP Finals debut. His achievements include his first ATP title in April, an ATP 500 final in Washington, and a Masters 1000 semi-final in Montreal. He is now making his main draw debut at the US Open, where he won the junior title in 2024.
How it unfolded
- Apr 5, 2026Jodar beats Trungelliti 6-3, 6-2 to secure his first ATP Tour title at the Grand Prix Hassan II.
- Aug 2026Jodar reaches his first ATP 500 final in Washington and his first Masters 1000 semi-final in Montreal, beating Arthur Fils in the latter.
- Aug 31, 2026ATP Tour reports Jodar is ninth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, making him a strong candidate for the ATP Finals.
- Sep 1, 2026Jodar is scheduled to play his first US Open main draw match, originally against Thanasi Kokkinakis, who withdraws; Bu Yunchaokete steps in as lucky loser.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- ATP Tour highlights Jodar's season as one of the best Next Gen seasons in history, noting he could become the fifth Next Gen age player to qualify for the ATP Finals.
- Expert
- Mats Wilander has weighed in on Jodar's potential compared to Arthur Fils, though the specific choice is not detailed in the material.
Still unverified
Mats Wilander's specific comparison between Fils and Jodar's potential is not fully quoted in the material.