Challenger
Jodar racing in the direction of Jeddah… with laptop computer in tow
Study extra concerning the 19-year-old Spaniard
October 23, 2025
Jason Harris/MarketBeat Open
Rafael Jodar, competing this week on the SIoux Falls Challenger, is a fast-rising #NextGenATP teen.
By Grant Thompson
Rafael Jodar is on a roll — and the Spaniard is doing all of it whereas juggling school coursework. The 19-year-old has captured two ATP Challenger titles in as many months, a surge that has rocketed the College of Virginia sophomore into ninth place within the PIF ATP Dwell Race To Jeddah.
Jodar’s newest triumph got here final week in Lincoln, the place he stormed to the title for the lack of only one set. After his matches, Jodar returned to his resort room to finish homework assignments for his 5 courses.
“I attempted to finish all of the assignments and all of the duties on Friday and Saturday, so I might benefit from the break day Sunday,” Jodar instructed ATPTour.com. “I’ve my laptop computer with me. You at all times should do some work. It’s good to maintain your thoughts not fascinated by tennis all day. When I’ve some free time, I do some work to atone for the fabric that they do through the weeks I’m lacking.”
A son of two academics, Jodar takes satisfaction in managing teachers even amid his rise in professional tennis.
“They’ve at all times given precedence to research,” Jodar stated of his mother and father. “And I’m on the identical web page. I feel research are crucial in your improvement as an individual.”
The qualification cutoff date (10 Novemebr) for the Subsequent Gen ATP Finals introduced by PIF is quick approaching and Jodar might want to proceed his late-season surge to earn a spot in Jeddah. Following his triumph in Lincoln, Jodar jumped from 18th to ninth within the PIF ATP Dwell Race To Jeddah — a mark that even he was stunned to study.
“I didn’t know that my rating was there. I had no concept that I used to be ninth within the rankings,” stated Jodar, who was a sparring associate eventually 12 months’s version of the Subsequent Gen ATP Finals introduced by PIF. “If I qualify, it could be an excellent alternative to play towards good gamers and it may very well be event for me.”
Trophy time for Rafa Jodar 😎#ATPChallenger | @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/cvODPSHx8H
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 19, 2025
Jodar is just not the one Spaniard chasing a ticket to Jeddah. His countryman Martin Landaluce, a fellow Madrid native, is properly positioned at fifth within the PIF ATP Dwell Race To Jeddah. Each Jodar and Landaluce grew up enjoying at Membership de Tenis Chamartín.
“We’re good buddies,” Jodar stated. “I’ve identified him since we have been actually younger. I don’t bear in mind the precise age. Perhaps 10, 11 years outdated. We used to play so much after we have been younger. We performed crew [events] in juniors collectively. We all know one another very properly. We discuss so much and I’m tremendous joyful how his season goes as properly.”
After Jodar’s title run in Lincoln, Nebraska, College of Virginia head coach Andres Pedroso drove Jodar three and a half hours north to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the place the teenager this week is joined by UVA assistant coach Brian Rasmussen for the MarketBeat Open. The Jeddah hopeful will purpose to strengthen his possibilities of qualifying for the 20-and-under occasion, which will probably be held 17-21 December.
