Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Rafael Jodar’s Rapid Rise Follows Nadal’s Endurance Advice
Rafael Jodar is a young Spanish tennis player who has improved very quickly.
Rafael Nadal told him not to play too many tournaments because his body needs rest.
Nadal said staying healthy can help a player compete for many years.
Jodar became a professional in January 2026.
Since then, he has moved from No.
168 in the world to No.
13.
He has won a tournament and reached important stages at several others.
Famous players and former champions have praised how calmly and powerfully he plays.
Fans have started calling him the “new Rafa,” but he still has a long way to go before matching Nadal’s achievements.
His next challenge is the US Open, where he will play Thanasi Kokkinakis.
Rafael Nadal advised Rafael Jodar to avoid playing too many tournaments and prioritize a long career.
Jodar turned professional in January 2026 and has climbed from world No. 168 to No. 13.
The 19-year-old has won his first ATP title, reached a final, and advanced deep at major events.
Jodar is being compared with Nadal after praise from Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Boris Becker, and Roger Federer.
He will face Thanasi Kokkinakis in the US Open first round and could meet top players later in the draw.
- Who
- Rafael Jodar, a 19-year-old Spanish tennis player, with advice from Rafael Nadal.
- What
- Jodar has made a rapid rise from world No. 168 to No. 13 after turning professional.
- When
- He turned professional in January 2026; the article says he reached No. 11 after 221 days and is now No. 13.
- Where
- His rise has included tournaments in Marrakech, Washington, Madrid, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
- Why
- Nadal advised him to limit his tournament schedule and protect his health so he could remain on tour longer.
Sustainable Development
Rapid Ascent And Expectations
Tournament workload
Sustainable Development
Rafael Nadal advised Jodar not to play too many tournaments, arguing that protecting his health can help him remain on tour for a long time.
Rapid Ascent And Expectations
Jodar’s rapid progress has come through competing successfully across clay and hardcourt events, including ATP, Masters 1000, Wimbledon, and junior tournaments.
Comparisons with Nadal
Sustainable Development
Jodar says Nadal is a benchmark for Spanish tennis and world sport, while the article notes that matching Nadal’s achievements remains a distant challenge.
Rapid Ascent And Expectations
Fans have called Jodar the “new Rafa,” and prominent players and champions have praised his game, composure, and extraordinary rise.
- Player
- Rafael Jodar
- Age
- 19
- Professional debut
- January 2026
- Ranking rise
- World No. 168 to No. 13
- Career-best ranking milestone
- No. 11 after 221 days
- ATP achievements
- Won his maiden ATP title in Marrakech and reached a final in Washington
- US Open opponent
- Thanasi Kokkinakis
- Record comparison
- Jodar is pursuing Boris Becker’s 41-year-old mark of reaching the top 10 from outside the top 100 in 210 days