“What A Player”: Sinner Full of Praise for Jodar after First Meeting with Rising Spaniard

Jannik Sinner left a message on the camera lens for 19-year-old Rafael Jodar—and the Spanish fans—after eliminating the surging wild card on Wednesday in Madrid: “What a player.”

In his post-match press conference, Sinner continued to speak about the Spaniard in glowing terms.

“He’s playing some incredible tennis,” Sinner said. “He’s already a very solid player, and I think he’s shown why. The level he’s producing is very, very high.”

What did Sinner say to Jodar at the net?

“I just wished him the best for the season,” the Italian said. “Keep working, keep improving, that’s it. Just a few compliments.”

Sinner, who also told reporters not to overlook 21-year-old Alexander Blockx (“He’s a bit under the radar, but he’s an incredible player”) has shown both a keen eye for emerging talent and a measured perspective on its development.

He emphasized the importance of learning how to face—and understand—the next generation, while cautioning against placing too much expectation on young players too soon.

Asked whether he could envision a future “Big 4” featuring himself, Carlos Alcaraz, Joao Fonseca and Jodar, Sinner told the press not to put undue pressure on the youngster.

“I cannot predict the future,” he said. “They’re all incredible talents, but being an athlete comes with a lot of pressure. My advice is always to try to keep that pressure away from the present, even though there will always be a lot of talk off the court.

“At the end of the day, the player has to take the next step, and then we’ll see. But what Jodar is doing is incredible. I wish him only the best.”

Sinner also urged Spanish media and fans to give the teenager time to grow into his game—and into his place on tour.

“At the same time, don’t push him too much,” he said. “Sometimes it gets into your head, and it’s very tough to get out. He’s a very good kid, with a great family behind him. His father seems very humble. He has a small circle around him, which is great. I think he’s going to achieve some incredible results in the future.

“There will always be new players coming through—even younger ones in a few years. That’s the nature of the sport. But he has everything that’s needed.”