Rafael Jodar continues ATP poll climb with win in Madrid debut
Jodar became the third Spaniard to win a Madrid main-draw match before age 20 after a 2 1/2-hour comeback over Jesper de Jong.
- On Wednesday, 19-year-old Rafael Jodar clinched his first-round Madrid Open win, celebrating by imitating the goal pose of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, who watched from the stands.
- Jodar's rapid rise continued after he entered the top 100 in March following his first ATP Tour title in Marrakech earlier this month, making him the third Spaniard after Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz to win a Madrid main-draw match before turning 20.
- Defeating Jesper de Jong required 2 1/2 hours at the Caja Magica center court; Jodar stated, "I knew I had to play a solid match from start to finish."
- Bellingham, who watched from the stands, met Jodar briefly after the match and posed for a photo together, with Jodar calling the soccer star "an example for me."
- Next, Jodar faces fifth-seed Alex de Minaur of Australia in the second round, building on momentum from his breakthrough Madrid Open debut.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Rafa Jódar left one of the images of the day at the Caja Mágica del Mutua Madrid Open. It was not only his victory against Jesper de Jong in three sets, his first in Madrid, but the subsequent celebration, imitating Jude Bellingham, present in the gradation. A striking gesture that has an explanation.
Rafa Jódar yesterday won an epic victory in his debut at the Mutua Madrid Open 2026.
Jackson Progress-Argus
Rafael Jodar continues ATP poll climb with win in Madrid debut
Building on his recent ATP poll ascent, Madrid native Rafael Jodar battled back from one set down to knock out Jesper De Jong of the Netherlands 2-6, 7-5, 6-4 on Wednesday in a 2-hour, 32-minute first-round clash at the Mutua…
Associated Press News
Spain's newest tennis sensation dedicates 1st win at Madrid Open to Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham
Spain’s newest tennis sensation Rafael Jódar raised his arms and opened them wide to imitate the goal celebration of Real Madrid soccer star Jude Bellingham after clinching his first-round win on debut at the Madrid Open.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
