Jodar surges toward Jeddah while chasing deadlines
A late-season burst of Challenger titles has Rafael Jodar eyeing the Next Gen ATP Finals, but the 19-year-old Spaniard must balance his rising pro career with the rigors of college life as the qualification clock ticks down.
In the fading light of Midwest hard courts, Rafael Jodar has ignited his professional trajectory with back-to-back ATP Challenger titles over two months, a run that has lifted the University of Virginia sophomore from obscurity to ninth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah. The 19-year-old Spaniard dominated last week’s event in Lincoln, Nebraska, surrendering only one set while his deep serves and probing crosscourt forehands dismantled opponents in relentless baseline exchanges. As the November 10 cutoff for the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF approaches, this momentum carries him into the MarketBeat Open in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where every point now pulses with qualification stakes for the December 17–21 showcase.
Balancing serves and study sessions
After each victory in Lincoln, Jodar retreated to his hotel room, laptop open to tackle assignments across five classes, a ritual that keeps his mind sharp amid the tour’s grind. This discipline, rooted in his parents’ teaching backgrounds, provides a counterweight to the intensity of one–two patterns and inside-out forehands that defined his title run. He batches work on weekends to claim a day of rest, ensuring academics fuel rather than fray his focus on down-the-line winners.
“I tried to complete all the assignments and all the tasks on Friday and Saturday, so I could enjoy the day off Sunday,” Jodar shared with ATPTour.com. “I have my laptop with me. You always have to do some work. It’s good to keep your mind not thinking about tennis all day. When I have some free time, I do some work to catch up on the material that they do during the weeks I’m missing.”
Their emphasis on education resonates deeply with him, shaping a worldview where studies bolster personal growth even as pro tennis accelerates. “They’ve always given priority to studies,” he noted of his parents. “And I’m on the same page. I think studies are very important for your development as a person.” This blend of priorities steadies Jodar through the psychological shifts of a breakout season, where hotel-room desks become extensions of the court.
Unexpected leap fuels quiet resolve
Learning of his ninth-place standing stunned the teen, who had no clue until after Lincoln, despite practicing as a sparring partner at last year’s Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF. The revelation sharpens his drive, transforming surprise into a tactical edge as he refines underspin defenses against aggressive returns in Sioux Falls. With University of Virginia head coach Andres Pedroso driving him three and a half hours north from Nebraska, and assistant Brian Rasmussen now at his side, Jodar hones serve placements to exploit hard-court speed, aiming to accumulate the points needed for a top-eight finish.
Trophy time for Rafa Jodar #ATPChallenger | @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/cvODPSHx8H
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 19, 2025
“I didn’t know that my ranking was there. I had no idea that I was ninth in the rankings,” he admitted, the words carrying a mix of disbelief and determination. “If I qualify, it would be a great opportunity to play against good players and it could be a good tournament for me.” As crowds in Sioux Falls swell with late-season energy, this mindset propels him forward, each held service game a step toward Jeddah’s innovative format of short sets and no-ad ties.
Friendship anchors the Spanish chase
Jodar isn’t alone in his pursuit; countryman Martin Landaluce holds fifth in the race, their paths crossing since age 10 or 11 at Club de Tenis Chamartín in Madrid. The duo, who teamed up in junior events, share strategies and support that ease the tour’s isolation, with Jodar’s recent inside-in approaches complementing Landaluce’s baseline power. This bond adds emotional depth to their qualification bids, turning potential Jeddah matchups into familiar rivalries built on mutual respect.
“We’re good friends,” Jodar explained. “I’ve known him since we were really young. I don’t remember the exact age. Maybe 10, 11 years old. We used to play a lot when we were young. We played team [events] in juniors together. We know each other very well. We talk a lot and I’m super happy how his season is going as well.” In Sioux Falls’ steady winds, Jodar draws on this connection to sustain his surge, knowing a strong showing here could secure his spot among the next generation’s elite, laptop packed and ready for the journey ahead.
