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Rafael Jodar Beats World No. 8, First Top-10 Win

4/25/2026

37 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Jodar Upsets Top-10

Rafael Jodar defeated world No. 8 Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-1 at the Mutua Madrid Open on Friday.
The win gave Jodar his first Top 10 victory and made him the second 2006-born player to do so.
The victory moved Jodar to No. 20 in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin.
He will face 19-year-old Joao Fonseca in the third round after practicing on Saturday to keep his mindset for Sunday’s match.

Summary

Alcaraz Withdraws

Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the French Open because of a wrist injury, opening the draw for players such as Rafael Jodar.
Alex de Minaur’s loss left Adam Walton as the only Australian still in the Madrid Open men’s or women’s draw.
World number one Jannik Sinner survived a tiebreak loss to qualifier Benjamin Bonzi, then watched Rafael Jodar’s win and said younger Spaniards are challenging established stars.

Summary

Jodar Named Candidate

Davis Cup captain David Ferrer named Jodar as a candidate for Spain’s September playoff against Chile.
Jodar’s season earnings have exceeded $1 million, boosted by sponsorships from Adidas and Head.
He captured the 2024 junior US Open title and briefly played at the University of Virginia before turning pro.
His father, also his coach, and federation physician Dr. Angel Ruiz Cotorro assisted him from the bench during the match.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 Rafael Nadal captured three Masters titles and eight overall trophies, while Andy Murray won the Madrid Masters, underscoring Spain’s rise on the tour. Nearly sixteen years later, 2024 teenager Rafael Jodar defeated world No. 8 Alex de Minaur, echoing Nadal’s breakthrough and signalling a new wave of Spanish talent poised to shape future ATP rankings.

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Jodar Upsets Top-10

Rafael Jodar defeated world No. 8 Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-1 at the Mutua Madrid Open on Friday.
The win gave Jodar his first Top 10 victory and made him the second 2006-born player to do so.
The victory moved Jodar to No. 20 in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin.
He will face 19-year-old Joao Fonseca in the third round after practicing on Saturday to keep his mindset for Sunday’s match.

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