Earning the respect of the ATP Tour locker room is no mean feat. In such a competitive environment, where years of work are at stake in every match, receiving praise is not commonplace. To hear it unanimously and directed towards a newcomer is truly out of the ordinary. Yet, at just 19 years of age, Rafael Jódar is already growing accustomed to the recognition. The senior players respect him, value him, and, perhaps most importantly, expect great things from him in the not-too-distant future.

The Spanish #NextGenATP star has managed to catch everyone’s eye at the Mutua Madrid Open, becoming the centre of attention in the city where he was born. Although his career has only just begun (he left university tennis behind in December) the Madrid native is already being tipped as one to watch for the future.

“He’s a great talent”, Stefanos Tsitsipas said on Monday, having kept a close eye on the Spaniard’s rapid rise. “He’s got a different style from Carlos [Alcaraz]; I think he’s a bit taller. I’d say he’s a mix between [Alexander] Zverev and Carlos. He’s got a bit more reach with his serve than Carlos. He could have a very interesting game in the future if he keeps his head. I can see him achieving fantastic results”.

The Greek player’s prediction was far from baseless. At a two-week tournament like the one in Madrid, big enough to attract the sport’s elite, the competitors are surrounded by fans and media alike at every turn. Any training session is a chance to glimpse what’s coming, spark a revealing conversation or, in this case, realise that the future is already here. The present is being written by kids who are yet to turn 20.

Even the reigning champion has had his say.

“I haven’t practised with him yet, but he seems like a very nice and humble kid”, admitted Casper Ruud, who is keeping a close watch on the up-and-coming players while trying to hold onto his trophy. “I can see he behaves well. His playing style is quite explosive. I also managed to catch a few of his matches in Barcelona and Marrakech. He’s having a solid clay season and also has potential for hard courts”, he explained. “I know he won the US Open junior, that he’s played university tennis… He’s got a pretty complete game, aggressive shots from both sides. He looks like he’ll be competing at the highest level for years to come”.

On his way to the top, Jódar is keeping things simple and close to home. During his match on Sunday against Joao Fonseca, there was a scene that stood out against the usual bustle of the elite. In a packed Manolo Santana Stadium, where cheers echoed in every corner, the Madrid player’s box was a picture of calm. There, his father Rafael sat alone. He has been by his son’s side since the beginning.

“I saw that and I loved it. It shows he has humility, and that’s something I really appreciate”, acknowledged Tsitsipas, who was also coached by his father from childhood. “Sometimes, keeping things simple is the best way to succeed. If this works for him, I think he should stick with it. I don’t believe you need a lot of team members in the player’s box; sometimes it can be overwhelming. There are only so many people who can bring you experience, knowledge, or something that adds value while you’re playing a match. I like that synergy between father and son. It’s lovely to see.”

In Madrid, the anticipation surrounding Jódar is everywhere you turn. As well as that of the stands and the media, he has the full attention of the locker room.