Spain just cannot stop producing tennis stars. Before Rafael Nadal had even retired, Carlos Alcaraz broke through with a meteoric rise to greatness. Now, as Carlitos begins to build his own legend at just 22 years old, Rafael Jódar has turned up on the scene with his supersonic tennis, filling fans with hope and excitement for a bright future.
It’s difficult to find a reason for the virtuous cycle that Spanish tennis has enjoyed for decades. Let’s not forget Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moyà, David Ferrer, Alex Corretja, Roberto Bautista, Fernando Verdasco, Albert Costa, Tommy Robredo, Nicolás Almagro, and many more. How is it possible that another tennis player is now on his way to joining that list? And what are the chances he’s also named Rafa? Spanish fans will have to dust off the “Vamos, Rafa!” chant that once filled stadiums around the world.
It’s still early days to be talking about Rafa Jódar in the same terms as those mentioned above. However, there’s no doubt that the kid from Leganes, born in 2006 – now 19 years old – has what it takes to dream big. He’s tall, possesses a powerful and accurate game, has an exceptional head on his shoulders, and promises to keep his feet firmly on the ground, no matter how much success comes his way.
This Wednesday in Madrid, he’ll play one of those matches that will be remembered for years to come. After seeing off Jesper de Jong, Álex de Minaur, Joao Fonseca and Vit Kopriva to reach the quarter-finals of the Mutua Madrid Open, the Spaniard will now face Italy’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. The prize is a ticket to the tournament’s semi-finals. It’s a mountainous challenge for Jódar, but if there’s one thing he’s shown in the last few weeks on the ATP circuit, it’s that he’s unfazed by anyone. Whomever he faces, Jódar sticks to his guns, and just keeps thumping the ball at the lines.
“He’s an incredibly talented player”, said Sinner of the circuit’s latest sensation. “He hits the ball so cleanly, with a very natural power. You can hear it when he strikes the ball; the racket makes a great sound”, adds the Italian, who has been keeping a close eye on Jódar this fortnight. He’s watched him in practice and has even been seen in the stands watching the Spaniard live in the Manolo Santana Stadium.
Just a few months ago, his name was barely being mentioned in tennis circles; now, Rafa Jódar is headline news and a front-page star. He has aura, as people say these days. He also has quite a game. “I have a feeling this won’t be the only time we face each other. It’s good we’re playing before the big tournaments”, says Sinner.
“It’s going to be very exciting to play Jannik for the first time, and to do it in my city”, said Jódar. “We’re still a long way from being able to talk about beating a world No. 1. But if I do things right and keep a good mindset, those chances might come. I could win the match. I need to do things well and focus on what’s worked for me. All opponents play at a high level, so you have to focus on what you do best”.
“It’ll be a very tough match. I’ll try to give my best and learn a lot from this match. I’m going in with the same approach I’ve had in my other matches, confident that I’ll get my chances if I do things right”.
Champion of the ATP 250 in Marrakech early in April and semi-finalist this month at the ATP 500 in Barcelona, Jódar is exploding onto the scene before our very eyes. The statistics of his arrival in the elite defy all logic. This Wednesday in Madrid, he could make a statement. A statement that will be remembered forever.
