Former world No 3 Nikolay Davydenko has made a telling statement about Rafael Jodar’s potential as he compared the rising Spanish star with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Jodar‘s ascent in 2026 has been meteoric, with the 19-year-old currently at his career-high ranking of 11th after he started the year as the world No 165.
Starting with his run to his maiden ATP title in Marrakech, Jodar has won 21 of his last 28 matches during a stellar period since late-March.
After Marrakech, Jodar reached the Barcelona Open semi-finals before making quarter-finals in Madrid, Rome and at Roland Garros.
Jodar has amassed a 10-2 record so far during the North American summer hard-court season.
Speaking on the BB Tennis YouTube channel, Davydenko gave his verdict on Jodar being likened to Alcaraz and Sinner.
“I wouldn’t say Jodar’s tennis potential is that much higher than the others,” said the Russian, who won 21 ATP Tour titles.
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“I don’t think he can improve like Sinner or Alcaraz, and finish the match.
“Right now, he’s outplaying them through physicality and pressure. But it’s not clear he’s head and shoulders above the rest.”
In his opening match at the Cincinnati Open, Jodar recovered from 5-1 down in the third set to beat Denis Shapovalov in dramatic fashion.
In an interview with Tennis Channel, Jodar spoke about the mentality that helped him fight back.
“Until you lose the last point… the match is not over. Just try to be there, try to play your game,” said the world No 11.
“It’s difficult because you’re not playing your best tennis and the other player is playing very well, a very high level.
“It’s easy to say, but very difficult to do it. In those moments, it’s just about yourself, you’re just trying to go for it, and just thinking about the next point, and not thinking more than that.”
Jodar added: “I think I’m playing good tennis right now. I think I’m doing the things right, and I think when you play a lot of matches, you have rhythm of competition, which is very important.
“Physically, I think I’m in doing very well. I’m taking advantage of the days off, with light practice. Overall, I think I’m doing a great job outside the court, which is very important when you’re playing a lot of matches.”
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