Another Spanish superstar in the making?

Who is Rafael Jódar?

As the 2026 tennis season kicks off, Rafael Jódar is quickly proving that his transition from junior standout and top college player to full-time professional was the right move.

The 19-year-old Spaniard’s recent performances, particularly at this week’s ATP Challenger 125 in Canberra is highlighting his ascent and growing presence on the men’s tour.

Born on 17 September 2006 in Madrid, Jódar developed into one of the world’s elite junior players early in his tennis journey. A defining moment came in 2024, when he claimed the US Open Boys’ Singles title defeating the talented Norwegian Nicolai Budkov Kjaer 2–6, 6–2, 7–6(1) in the final, showcasing his all-around game and competitive grit on one of the sport’s biggest junior stages.

Unlike many of his peers who jumped straight into the pro ranks, Jódar chose to refine his game through college tennis at the University of Virginia, where he quickly became a standout. His collegiate tenure helped sharpen his fitness, tactical awareness, and mental toughness, all assets that have translated seamlessly to life on the professional circuit.

HEAD has partnered with the Kooyong Classic for 2026. HEAD will be on-site with all their latest products, including the launch of the new Revolt Pro 5.0. Visit the HEAD tents at the Kooyong Classic from 13-15th January to do a fit test on the new Revolt Pros.

By the end of 2025, Jódar had already made waves on the ATP Challenger Tour, capturing 3 titles becoming the youngest Spaniard since Carlos Alcaraz to achieve this feat. This also resulted in a remarkable climb in the ATP rankings which saw Jódar’s ranking rise from outside the top 800 earlier that year to inside the top 200 by year’s end which saw him compete at the 2025 Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, a tournament that showcases the best up and coming players under the age of 21.

Jódar’s run at the 2026 Canberra Challenger has become one of the early stories of the Australian summer tennis season coming through qualifying and making it all the way to the final without dropping a set including a convincing win over former world No.16 Nicolás Jarry 6–3, 6–4 in the opening round.

He faced off against Belgium’s young gun Alexander Blockx in the final, a battle between two of the ATP Tour’s brightest young talents. Blockx proved too strong in the final downing the young Spaniard 6-4, 6-4 and pushing his ranking inside the top 100 for the first time when the new rankings are released on Monday. Blockx himself has shown that he is a name to remember having finished runner up at the 2025 Next Gen Finals going down to Learner Tien.

Jódar’s tennis style blends aggressive ball striking with smart point construction, a reflection of his Spanish tennis upbringing and strategic maturity from college competition.

His aggressive serve, clean backhand and ability to stay mentally composed in tense moments have become distinguishing features as he competes against established pros and certainly makes him a name to watch in 2026.

When the updated ATP Rankings are released tomorrow he will be at a career high 150 in the world.

The Kooyong Classic returns to the spiritual home of Australian tennis from January 13-15, 2026.

Each year, the Kooyong Classic features the world’s best players in their final preparation for the Australian Open. 

The 2026 event will feature Lorenzo Musetti, Alexander Bublik, Nick Kyrgios, Karen Khachanov, Flavio Cobolli, Frances Tiafoe, Learner Tien, Matteo Berrettini, Hubert Hurkacz, Marin Čilić and Zhang Zhizhen, alongside Donna Vekić Priscilla Hon and a special guest appearance Daniela Hantuchová.

Tickets on sale now through www.kooyongclassic.com.au

Hospitality packages can be viewed on the Kooyong Classic website 

Contact: info@kooyongclassic.com.au.