Sports · Tennis · 2 hrs ago
Alcaraz praises Jodar’s rapid rise and hopes to face him
Rafael Jodar broke into the ATP top 10 just 287 days after his first Tour-level match, setting a new record.
The 2026 season has also brought him a French Open quarter-final, a title in Morocco and finals in Washington and Shanghai.
Carlos Alcaraz praised his compatriot’s rapid rise, calling it a privilege and a joy to watch him play.
Alcaraz said Jodar is not a threat to him, but called him a player to watch and said he is excited to face him for the first time.
The two could meet in the Paris Masters semifinals if both win their matches before then.
Jodar beat Alejandro Tabilo in his opening match and next faces Casper Ruud, while Alcaraz begins his campaign on Wednesday.
Jodar is also seeking a place at the ATP Finals in Turin; reaching the Paris final would confirm his qualification, though other results could also secure it.
Rafael Jodar made his ATP top 10 debut 287 days after his first appearance on the ATP Tour, setting a record for the fastest rise to that milestone.
He broke Gustavo Kuerten’s previous record by more than 200 days.
The Spaniard’s breakthrough season included a French Open quarter-final, at least quarter-finals at four Masters events, a title in Morocco and finals in Washington and Shanghai.
Carlos Alcaraz praised Jodar’s play and said he was excited to face him for the first time.
The two Spaniards could meet in the Paris Masters semi-finals if both advance that far.
- Who
- Rafael Jodar, the Spanish tennis player, reached the ATP top 10. Carlos Alcaraz praised his rise.
- What
- Jodar made his top 10 debut in record time, 287 days after his first ATP Tour appearance.
- When
- Monday; the article was published on November 3, 2026.
- Where
- On the ATP Tour. Jodar was playing at the Paris Masters.
- Why
- His strong results this season included a title and several deep runs at major tournaments.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Jodar played for the first time on the ATP Tour.
Jodar made his top 10 debut, setting a record for the fastest rise to the milestone.
Jodar opened his Paris Masters campaign with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Alejandro Tabilo.
- Time to top 10
- 287 days after first ATP Tour appearance
- Previous record
- Gustavo Kuerten’s record, surpassed by more than 200 days
- French Open
- Quarter-final
- Grand Prix Hassan
- Jodar’s maiden title, in Morocco
- Paris Masters opener
- Defeated Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 6-3
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What people are saying
He isn’t really a threat. It’s unbelievable the way he’s playing in his first year on the tour.
He deserves to be in this position.
We all enjoy his tennis, because every time that I watch him, it’s a privilege, it’s a joy, and just excited about facing him one day, you know, for the first time, practicing with him, you know, in the tournaments.