Match Reaction
Jodar on first Top 10 victory: ‘It’s the top opponents who help you improve’
Spaniard upset World No. 8 De Minaur on Friday in Madrid
April 24, 2026
Mutua Madrid Open
Rafael Jodar is into the third round at the Mutua Madrid Open.
By ATPTour.com/es Staff
The attention surrounding Rafael Jodar is growing by the day at the Mutua Madrid Open.
On Friday, the #NextGenATP Spaniard claimed the first Top 10 win of his career on Manolo Santana Stadium, living up to the buzz surrounding him on the ATP Tour. In his home city, the Madrid native eased past World No. 8 Alex de Minaur, conceding just four games and unleashing an attacking brand of tennis that promises to launch him into the sport’s elite.
The Spaniard has practically become a household name in Madrid over the past few months. With his latest triumph at the Caja Magica, Jodar rose to No. 20 in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, a testament to the spell of form he is currently enjoying.
“Everything is happening very fast, I’m playing lots of tournaments and matches,” the Madrid-born player calmly acknowledged. “That is allowing me to compete against many high-level players and improve my tennis. When you face these opponents, who are the best on Tour, that’s when you really raise your level.
“Today, my aim was to enjoy myself because you don’t play against an opponent like Alex every day. In front of all the people who came to support me, I tried to savour the moment.”
The Spaniard seemed unfazed by the magnitude of the stage he found himself on, imposing his game from the outset. Facing one of the most physical players on the ATP Tour, capable of tirelessly patrolling the baseline, the Madrid player landed countless winners and had the fans in raptures with his aggressive game.
“I knew I had to enjoy myself, if I had a shot, I had to go for it,” he added. “I knew things would get tough, because the score doesn’t reflect how hard the match was. In the second set, he clawed his way back, but there were key points that I managed to swing my way. That’s what decided the match.”
The Spaniard’s composure was perhaps the result of the progress he has already made at the Caja Magica. While in his first match, he had to battle to stage a comeback, on Friday, all he needed was 75 minutes to take down De Minaur. To Jodar, though, his progress is natural and to be expected.
“The first match helped me a lot to adapt to the conditions in Madrid,” he explained. “I came from something very different in Barcelona. It did me good to get used to the Manolo Santana court. That doesn’t mean the next one will be any less tough; it’ll be very challenging. Tomorrow I’ll try to have a good practice day and approach Sunday’s match with the same mindset.”
In two days, Jodar will have an opportunity to become the leading force of a new generation of players. The Madrid native will take on Brazil’s Joao Fonseca for the first time, in a clash between the two leading players in the PIF ATP Live Next Gen Race.
“Joao is a tough opponent, and I have to prepare well for this match,” Jodar shared. “I have to play my own game and be ready in case things don’t go as well as today. I have to try to stay strong in those moments. We’ll see how it goes.”
In Madrid, where fans are yearning for a new hero, Jodar responds with actions, not words. At just 19 years of age, the Spaniard is already equipped to challenge the strongest in the world.
