From dark horse to top 40: The shift that made Rafael Jodar

Photo by Mauricio Paiz/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Rafael Jodar has kept up his impressive stretch with a strong start at the Italian Open.

The 19-year-old grabbed attention after reaching the semifinals in Barcelona, where he put together several eye-catching performances.

He then backed it up by making the quarterfinals in Madrid, taking down Alex de Minaur and Joao Fonseca along the way before running into world number one Jannik Sinner.

Those results have helped him climb to number 34 in the world rankings, just two spots away from being seeded at Grand Slam events.

In Rome, Jodar started his campaign with a straight-sets win over Nuno Borges, prevailing 7-6, 6-4.

Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images

Rafael Jodar reflects on his rise in 2026

During his post-match press conference, Jodar was asked about the key factors behind his rapid rise up the rankings this year. He explained: “I think just try to accept whatever happens in the tournaments.

“Some weeks you have to accept that things are not going as you could like to.

“But yes, try to be there and learn from those matches. I think it’s very important to analyze the matches and to also share your thoughts with your team.

“They can give you feedback. I think that was really, really important. I follow my own path, but I think I’m doing a great job in accepting things.”

The win over Borges took Jodar’s season record to 18 wins and 8 losses.

Rafael Jodar says he has to ‘improve everything’

Jodar knows there is a lot of work ahead before he can start thinking about contending for major titles, despite the positive signs in his game.