Can Rafael Jodar become the star attraction at Roland-Garros in the absence of Carlos Alcaraz?
The question on everyone's mind as the French Open approaches is whether Rafael Jodar can step up and become the new star of tennis in the absence of his fellow Spaniard, Carlos Alcaraz. With Alcaraz out of the picture, the spotlight shines on Jodar, who has been making waves in the tennis world with his impressive rise through the ranks.
Jodar, once ranked outside the top 900, has transformed into a force to be reckoned with. In just a year, he's surged up the rankings, winning three ATP Challenger titles in 2025 and securing tour-level wins at prestigious events like the Australian Open, Miami, Acapulco, Dallas, and Delray Beach in 2026. His success is all the more remarkable considering he was still playing college tennis at the University of Virginia just a year ago.
What makes Jodar's journey even more intriguing is his unique coaching setup. He's coached by his father, Rafael, who is the only person in his box during matches. This simple yet effective approach has drawn attention and praise from tennis experts. Former British doubles star Colin Fleming appreciates the simplicity of Jodar's team, stating, 'He's not getting caught up in any fanfare or any hangers on. Just a small team but I wouldn't be surprised to see his team grow slightly as he develops more in the elite level.'
However, Marion Bartoli, a former Wimbledon champion, suggests that Jodar might benefit from adding a fitness coach to his team. She notes that his current setup is working for him, but the physical demands of tennis might require additional support. Bartoli's perspective highlights the importance of finding the right balance between simplicity and comprehensive support.
Jodar's success has been a topic of discussion among renowned tennis professionals. Four-time Grand Slam winner Jim Courier praised the simplicity of having just his dad in the box, stating, 'I like the simplicity of just having the dad in the box. No fuss and coming out and laying it down.' He believes that this approach has contributed to Jodar's rapid progress in just three months.
The 19-year-old's performance against top players like Jannik Sinner and Alex de Minaur has been particularly impressive. His ability to handle pressure and generate powerful shots, as noted by Bartoli, showcases his talent and potential. Fleming also expressed optimism about Jodar's future, stating, 'I think as he develops and he gets more experienced, he's a player that can go right to the top in the game.'
As Jodar continues his ascent, the question remains: How far can he go? With his physicality, athleticism, and mental fortitude, he has the potential to reach the top 10, according to Bartoli. Fleming adds, 'It's exciting for me how high his ceiling might be. I think certainly into the top 10 because he's capable of mixing it with the top players in the game.'
The French Open will be a crucial test for Jodar, and his performance will determine whether he can become the star attraction in the absence of Alcaraz. His journey so far has been inspiring, and the tennis world eagerly awaits his next move.
