Rafael Jodar, the 19-year-old with the bullet backhand, showed why he has Spanish fans buzzing on Friday. The ‘Rafa’ in question wasn’t Rafael Nadal, but Rafael Jodar, a 19-year-old from Madrid who is hoping to follow in his namesake’s footsteps. That familiar battle cry of “Vamos, Rafa!” could be heard early and often from the fans in Barcelona.
Jodar had never even played a pro tournament in his native country before this week. Judging from his game and his results this spring, Spain’s tennis lovers can dare to dream yet again.
Jodar’s Rapid Ascent
Jodar has begun to tick the boxes that many future Hall-of-Famers tick in their teens. He won the US Open boys’ title in 2024. He’s already ranked 51st and poised to move higher on Monday. He has a title from two weeks ago in Marrakesh. Like Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz before him, he has made the semis in Barcelona before turning 20.
A wiry 6’3″, he has the height to throw down aces and a wingspan that will help him on defense and at net. On Friday Jodar beat a former Top 10 player, Cam Norrie, 6-3, 6-2 in 69 minutes.
How Jodar Beat Norrie
Jodar beat the Brit by the same scores on hard courts in Acapulco earlier this year. Jodar also gave us a couple of quick and vivid examples of the potential he brings to the court, as a ball-striker and a competitor. Jodar has the one-two serve-forehand punch that has become a virtual requirement for any ATP contender.
On his serve, he has the flat bomb and the high kick. On his forehand, he hits with a heavy blend of pace and topspin that one commentator today compared to the style of Arthur Fils. It’s Jodar’s two-handed backhand that stands out first. When he has a chance to lean in, he rockets that shot with depth and bullet-like speed to both corners. While Jodar is from the land of Alcaraz, his backhand may be closer to Jannik Sinner’s.
Norrie found out that even when Jodar sends the ball down the middle of the court, it can be difficult to handle. On a number of occasions, Norrie was caught off guard by Jodar’s backhand. What may have looked to him like a standard rally ball came in a lot faster than Norrie expected. He ended up sending the ball wildly long.
Jodar’s Winning Streak
Ball-bashing isn’t everything in a prodigy. The ability to translate it into winning is a separate skill. Jodar seems to be getting the hang of that at the pro level, too.
This was his eighth straight victory. There were a couple of moments when his winner’s instincts came to the fore.
Jodar was one point from taking a set and a break lead, but Norrie wouldn’t let him through the door.