Carlos Alcaraz is relishing his first Tour-level meeting with Rafael Jodar in the future after praising his rapid rise this year.
Jodar made his top 10 debut on Monday, 287 days after he played for the first time on the ATP Tour. He has set a new record for the least amount of time it has taken a player to reach this milestone, smashing Gustavo Kuerten’s previous record by more than 200 days. This season, the Spaniard has reached the quarter-finals of the French Open and the quarter-finals or better at four Masters events. He won his maiden title at the Grand Prix Hassan in Morocco before reaching the finals of the Washington Open and Shanghai Masters.
Alcaraz, who is three years older than Jodar, is among those impressed by his compatriot’s rapid development. But does he perceive his younger rival as a threat to him?
“He isn’t really a threat. It’s unbelievable the way he’s playing in his first year on the tour,” he said on Monday.
“I’m really happy about him. Such a humble guy and a great guy. He’s going with his father as a coach all around (the Tour) and doing great things. I am really happy about him.”
Speaking further, Alcaraz praised Jodar’s gameplay by saying it is a ‘privilege’ to watch him play.
“He deserves to be in this position,” Alcaraz states.
“Obviously it’s great to have Spanish company in the top 10. We all enjoy his tennis because every time that I watch him, it’s a privilege.
“I’m excited about facing him one day for the first time. He already is the future, he’s gonna be a player to be aware of.”
At this week’s Paris Masters, the duo will play against each other if they both reach the semi-final stage. Jodar played his opening match on Monday, defeating Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 6-3. He will next play Casper Ruud.
Alcaraz’s opening match will be on Wednesday. Granted a bye in the first round, his first match will be against either Jiri Lehecka or Alex Michelsen.
