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 April.
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.”
Following his third round win over Alejandro Tabilo at the Cincinnati Open, Jodar spoke about his mentality.
“Until you lose the last point… the match isn’t over. You just have to try to be there and play your game. It’s difficult because you’re not playing your best tennis and the other player is playing at a very high level.
“It’s easy to say, but very difficult to do. In those moments, you have to focus on yourself, try to go for it, and think about the next point, without thinking beyond that.”
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