Rafael Jodar has been one of the stories of the clay court swing so far after collecting his first ATP title in Morocco and reaching the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open.
Alcaraz heavily praised Jodar for his progress, before he unfortunately had to withdraw from the Barcelona Open.
The Spaniard dubbed Jodar’s 2026 season as impressive ahead of a quarter-final meeting with Cameron Norrie.
After Alcaraz’s praise for Jodar, the talented teenager has responded to the world number two’s kind words.
Rafael Jodar’s message for Carlos Alcaraz after his withdrawal
Jodar has defeated Jaume Munar and Camilo Ugo Carabelli without dropping a set so far at the Barcelona Open.
The Spaniard could have played Alcaraz in the final, but the star’s withdrawal has stopped a first time meeting on the ATP Tour.
Should Carlos Alcaraz have skipped the Barcelona Open? Did he make a mistake by playing it?
Jodar reacted immediately to Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the Barcelona Open and sent kind words to his compatriot.
In his press conference, Jodar said: “I watched many of Carlos’ games when I was younger and as I grew up. He’s a wonderful guy and an excellent person.
“We get along very well, we have a great relationship, and I appreciate his words. I hope his injury isn’t serious and he recovers soon.”
Jodar is now up to a career high ranking of world number 47 following his red-hot form on the European clay.
Rafael Jodar now has a major chance to make tennis history
Jodar received a wild card to play at one of his home tournaments’ and he has made good on the organisers’ decision.
A wild card has never won the Barcelona Open before, so Jodar could achieve a first-time feat on home soil.
Should Carlos Alcaraz hire another coach after his recent results?
If so, who should he hire? 🤔
Only one non-seed has won the event, which came in 2002 when Gaston Gaudio lifted the trophy while ranked world number 38.
Albert Portas reached the final of the 1997 event as a qualifier, but he lost to compatriot Albert Costa in straight sets.
If Jodar wins one more match, he will become the best-performing wild card in the Barcelona Open’s history.
