It has been a year of firsts for Spain's breakout teenage star, Rafael Jodar.
The report indicates that it has been a year of firsts for Spain’s breakout teenage star, Rafael Jodar.
It further notes that a little over 12 months ago, the 19-year-old was outside the world’s top 800. He had never played on the main ATP Tour or contested a match at a Grand Slam.
Now, he arrives in London as the world number 23, fresh off a run to the French Open quarter-finals that was only halted by eventual champion Alexander Zverev.
The next stop in his debut season participating on the sport’s biggest stages will be Wimbledon, where his namesake, Rafael Nadal, won two titles – including triumphing against rival Roger Federer in one of the greatest matches in history in the 2008 final.
Jodar has not played an ATP Tour-level match on grass before, but he is excited for another round of firsts in his young career.
“When I was younger, I could never imagine that I would one day be here,” he told BBC Sport at Queen’s.
“It’s something that I will never forget, to play on grass.
“I haven’t played much on it, but it’s a surface I can do well on.”
While Jodar, like any young aspiring Spanish player, does idolise Nadal, the reason he shares the name with the 22-time major winner is through family tradition: both his father and grandfather were named Rafael.
“Rafa for me is a role model since I was a kid, not just in tennis but in general. I think he’s super humble,” Jodar said.
“When I had the chance to talk to him he was a very good person, he gave me some advice.
“I am super grateful for everything he has done for Spanish sport and the tennis world.”
Jodar only turned professional last year, after a brief period gaining experience in the United States college system.
He broke into the world’s top 100 in March after a strong start to 2026 and captured his first ATP Tour title in Marrakech a month later.
