Rafael Jodar’s magical Madrid Open campaign has come to an end.
Jodar defeated Jesper de Jong, Alex de Minaur, Joao Fonseca and Vit Kopriva to reach the quarter-finals on his tournament debut.
On Wednesday, the Spaniard was stopped in his tracks – defeated 2-6, 6-7 by world number one Jannik Sinner.
Can Rafael Jodar fill the void left by Carlos Alcaraz?
He's certainly stepped up in his absence so far…
However, this loss will do little to slow the momentum Jodar has developed since turning professional at the start of this year.
The youngster has been nothing short of a phenomenon; and his efforts in Madrid will see him rise to world number 34.
Jodar’s performances have caught the attention of Alex Corretja – the Spanish former world number two.
Alex Corretja discusses Rafael Jodar’s level after playing Jannik Sinner
“For me, he’s already a reality [Jodar]. You can’t consider him a promising player anymore,” Corretja [pictured below] said on Spanish radio station El Larguero.
“Someone who’s playing the way he’s playing, at the level he’s showing, and really demonstrating that he keeps progressing week after week. So, it’s big news. Absolutely.
“Next week they’ll be in the top 30 [Ed. note – Jodar will be top 40]. It’s crazy.”
The host of El Larguero responded by remarking that Jodar’s tennis is different to that of Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal.
Last five Madrid Open champions
- 2025 – Casper Ruud
- 2024 – Andrey Rublev
- 2023 – Carlos Alcaraz
- 2022 – Carlos Alcaraz
- 2021 – Alexander Zverev
“Yes, the good thing is that he has his own personality, both on and off the court,” Corretja continued.
He later added: “The start was very intense, and Rafa had a few opportunities, but he couldn’t capitalise on them. He did get a little frustrated because he saw that his pace wasn’t really hurting Sinner, who was still playing at a very high speed.
“But the way he went toe-to-toe with him, without any fear, standing up to him, pressuring him with his forehand and backhand, it really seemed like a display of courage and skill from Rafa.
“You can be very brave, but your level of play might not be up to it. The important thing is that his level was up to him, and he forced Sinner to play what I thought was a fantastic match at a very high pace.
“Otherwise, the Italian would have had a lot of problems.”
Jodar, who is set to rise to world number 34 following his performances in Madrid, will now turn his attention towards the Italian Open, which is due to run from May 5 to 17.
Jodar, 19, will be making his debut at the event.
Madrid Open semi-finals
- Jannik Sinner vs Arthur Fils
- Casper Ruud vs Alexander Zverev or Flavio Cobolli
What can Rafael Jodar achieve throughout the rest of the clay-court swing?
There can be no denying that Rafael Jodar is already one of the better clay-court players on the ATP Tour.
The youngster has more than proven his worth on the surface since the start of April, winning the title in Marrakech and reaching the quarter-finals in Madrid.
If he continues to demonstrate excellent form, there is no reason why he could not have a significant impact on the draw in Rome and Paris.
Will Rafa Jodar win more Grand Slam titles than Joao Fonseca in his career?
Jodar’s game is tailor-made for the clay courts – his movement and agility are excellent, and he has the ability to hit through his opponents on the slower surfaces.
Of course, only time will tell if Jodar taking his game to the next level. However, with the talent he possesses, the sky is the limit.
