Sinner doesn’t trust 19 year old Jodar, "hear the sound of his blows"

A soli 24 years old Jannik Sinner he is now considered an ‘old man’ of the circuit, a tennis player – the number 1 in the world – which the new generations are inspired by and which they try to overthrow. Even if, upon closer inspection, the new generations are a few years younger: there is the 18 year old Brazilian Joao Fonsecathere are the 20enni Learner Tien e Jakub Mensikthere is the 21enne Arthur Son. All pointed out by experts as potential antagonists of Big Two Sinner-Alcaraz. Yet the two phenomena are still immature and one step below. Now another very young man arrives on the scene, the 19enne spanish Rafael Jódarborn in Madrid il September 17, 2006.He will be the one to challenge this afternoon Jannik Sinner and ‘test’ its actual level in the field.

The Spanish baby was the protagonist of an incredible and unique rise in the history of tennis: Yes number 687 in the world a year ago a top 40 (currently 42°). Jodar he won it US Open junior In the 2024he qualified at Next Gen ATP Finals 2025 beating Martin Landalucewon his first titolo ATP 250 a Marrakech in March 2026 from the qualifiers and reached the semi-final a Barcelona. College educated in the USA at the University of Virginiaplay with his father like unique coach and loves the cement.

Better quality and shots

Con 190 cm tall, Jodar excels for a powerful service (86% points on the first a Marrakech), solid, heavy groundstrokes on both sides, flat and skidding backhand that surprises opponents, completeness, balance, aggressiveness and solid head without drops in concentration. He is right-footed, mature, humble, with great physical intensity and fluidity in his shots.

Course at Madrid Open

Al Mutua Madrid Open 2026entered with wild card, Jodar he beat De Jonghe n.5 Alex de Minaur (record as youngest to defeat top 10 in Masters 1000 with WC afterwards Sinner) e Joao Fonsecabefore folding Vit Nettle 7-5 6-0 in the round of 16. Today in the quarterfinals he faces Sinner on the Manolo Santana all 16.

Similarities with Nadal and Sinner

Spanish come Alcaraz, Jodar he resembles more – with all the exceptions of the case, starting from the fact that he is right-handed – his namesake Nadal: it doesn’t “steal your eyes” but it’s very effective and, once you get the rhythm, it accelerates with power and balance. It’s similar to Sinner in grip, safe supports, response, solidity on the diagonals and effortless fluidity. His Sharp and precise backhandcontinuous blows and ability to not let go might surprise, as with From Minaur.

Sinner on Jódar: “Hear the sound of his shots”

Jannik Sinner he praised Rafael Jodar at the press conference after seeing him live at Madrid during the victory over Alex de Minaurcalling it a very talented player with a bright future. Important note: for Spanish he used the same words as the great one Nicola Pietrangeli used for him: “He hits very clean and shoots with ease. You can hear the sound when it hits, it’s amazing“.

Jannikwho wanted to see him play from the stands (“I like watching those games livebecause you don’t see certain things on TV. It’s totally different live”) he said he was really impressed by the 19 year old from Madrid whose mentality he praised: “it’s quiet and I hope it continues to improve. He seems very humble. It would be useful to address it before Rome and Paris“. And today his wish is fulfilled.