Rafael Jódar, 2024 US Open junior champion, is continuing his tennis education

Still just 18, Rafael Jódar has emerged as one of Spain’s most promising young tennis players, seamlessly transitioning between junior Grand Slams, professional events and NCAA competition. The Madrid native has already built an impressive résumé, highlighted by a boys' US Open title in 2024, a semi-final run on the ATP Challenger Tour, and a strong debut season at the University of Virginia.

Currently ranked No. 686 in the world rankings, Jódar began turning heads in early 2024 when he reached his first quarterfinal on the ITF World Tennis Tour in Vic, Catalonia. He followed that up with a runner-up finish at the ITF M25 in Denia in July 2024, where he lost to fellow Spaniard Pol Martín Tiffon—a performance that further confirmed his professional potential.

“I had been playing on the ITF Juniors Tour, but not much that year because of my studies,” Jódar said during his breakthrough in Catalonia in May last year. “I finished school only two weeks ago. Now, I will continue to play on both circuits, which is good, as I will face different kinds of opponents.”

US Open junior champion

Jódar has long been regarded as a top junior talent. He was ranked as high as No. 4 in the ITF Junior Rankings, but 2024 proved to be a defining year. Jódar captured the US Open boys’ singles title.

“This year I had an incredible moment at the US Open and I was really proud of myself. I was very happy because all the hard work I had been doing during my whole life showed in that tournament,” he said. “I played against great players there, because the best juniors are playing in those big events. I think that's the first step in my career.”

Jódar’s game is built around a strong serve and solid groundstrokes on both sides, as was evident in Flushing Meadows.

“I want to be aggressive on the court,” he said. “I have a big serve and I’m solid on both sides.”

I like how Sinner plays and the way he faces the matches. And of course, Alcaraz, because he is from my country.

Getting ready in Madrid

Jódar usually trains at Club de Tenis Chamartín in Madrid, where he also completed his schooling.

“It was difficult for me to handle both things,” the teenager admitted. “But I got good grades, and I am very happy with that.”

He’s also been supported by the Spanish Tennis Federation, which has helped him gain entry into top-level international events.

“That’s important for me, as I have the chance to face very tough opponents.”

Jódar understands the challenge of transitioning from the juniors to the pro tour.

“It’s a huge change for sure,” he said. “The fitness is the most important thing at these types of tournaments. I do good work in Madrid and hope to continue playing the pro tournaments.”

Off court, Jódar enjoys watching Outer Banks on Netflix and spending time with friends in Madrid. A loyal Real Madrid supporter, he often attends matches at the stadium.

“It was incredible to have won La Liga as well as the Champions League. 2024 was a big year for the club.”

Growing up, Jódar looked up to Rafael Nadal, and today he cites Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as his main inspirations.

“I like how Sinner plays and the way he faces the matches. And of course, Alcaraz, because he is from my country.”

Success in the college game

Following his US Open triumph, Jódar opened a new chapter by pursuing college tennis at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. It's increasingly common to see young tennis talents from around the world head to the United States on scholarships, using their athletic skills to earn a college education while continuing to grow both on and off the court.

The level of NCAA competition continues to rise, attracting international players who view college tennis as an ideal pathway to mature physically and mentally, before committing fully to the professional tour. They learn English, receive a world-class education, step out of their comfort zones, meet people from diverse backgrounds, experience different training methods, and take advantage of exceptional facilities.

Most importantly, they delay the pressures of the professional circuit until they feel more prepared —both physically and mentally.

Since joining the team in January this year, Jódar has already made a big impact, being named ACC Freshman of the Year—just the eighth player in program history to earn the honor.

I want to be aggressive on the court. I have a big serve and I’m solid on both sides.

Semifinal run at Challenger level—and more to come

In late March, Jódar competed in the Morelos Open in Mexico, where he advanced to his first ATP Challenger semifinal. College players are allowed to participate in two professional tournaments per year. Taking advantage of a break before the decisive stretch of the NCAA season, the Madrid native decided to test himself at the event, and it paid off.

Further successful appearances on the Challenger Tour, and potentially beyond, can certainly be expected. With his blend of talent, maturity, and versatility, Rafael Jódar looks set to be one of the standout players of his generation and a name to watch closely in the years to come.