Rafael Jodar has been a revelation on the ATP Tour this year.
The young Spaniard only turned professional at the start of this year, yet he has already managed to break into the ATP top 10.
Jodar accomplished the feat just 287 days after making his ATP Tour debut – breaking Gustavo Kuerten’s previously-held record, which was 490 days.
Jodar is competing in Paris this week and could face compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals.
Alcaraz, the second seed in Paris, offered his opinion on the Spanish youngster during his pre-tournament press conference.
Carlos Alcaraz claims Rafael Jodar is not yet a ‘threat’ but ‘a privilege to watch’
During the pre-tournament media duties, one reporter asked a pertinent question of the seven-time major champion.
“Can you talk a bit about his [Jodar’s] rise, what you’ve noticed about him, and how much of a threat he can be in the future?” they said.
Which ATP player do you think will win the 2026 Paris Masters title?
“Well, [he] isn’t really a threat, you know,” Alcaraz replied with a smile.
“It’s unbelievable the way he’s playing in his first year on the tour, broke a record of, you know, the amount of days he made it to since he broke the top 100 to the top 10, I think, or something, being up there.
“I’m just really happy about him. Such a humble guy, great guy, going with his father as a coach, you know, all around and making great things. Really happy about him.
“He deserves to be in this position. Obviously it’s great to have, you know, Spanish company in the top 10.
“We all enjoy his tennis, because every time that I watch him, it’s a privilege, it’s a joy, and just excited about facing him one day, you know, for the first time, practicing with him, you know, in the tournaments.
“Yeah, but for sure, for now, that he already is, you know, to the future, he’s gonna be a player to, you know, be aware.”
Rafael Jodar’s 2026 Grand Slam results
- Australian Open: Second round [came through qualifying]
- Roland Garros: Quarter-finals
- Wimbledon: Third round
- US Open: First round
Jodar, seeded ninth, advanced to the Paris Masters second round after defeating Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 6-3 on Monday.
The 20-year-old will now play former world number two Casper Ruud. The Norwegian, also a three-time Grand Slam finalist, defeated Juan Manuel Cerundolo in his first-round match.
As for Alcaraz, he has received an automatic bye to the second round, where he will face either Alex Michelsen or Basel Open finalist Jiri Lehecka.
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Jodar will team up later this month
Alcaraz and Jodar are set to represent Spain at the Davis Cup Finals later this month.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Pedro Martinez and Marcel Granollers are also set to represent Spain in Bologna, Italy.
Davis Cup quarter-finals
- Tuesday November 24: Czechia v Canada
- Wednesday November 25: Italy v Korea, Rep.
- Thursday November 26: Great Britain v Germany
- Thursday November 26: Austria v Spain
Spain are set to play Austria in the quarter-finals on November 26. If Spain advances, they will play either Great Britain or Germany in the semi-finals.
Spain, who are among the tournament favourites, are seeking to win their first Davis Cup title since 2019.
