Surging Jodar Sets Sights on Zverev at RG

Rafael Jodar has gone from NCAA player to prospect to threat to win a major title in rapid fashion. This week in Paris, where chaos reigns supreme and a first-time men’s singles Grand Slam finalist will be crowned, the Spaniard continues his ascent. 

This Century, only six players have made the QF at their maiden main draw appearance at Roland Garros: Juan Carlos Ferrero (2000), Martin Verkerk (2003), Rafael Nadal (2005), Jannik Sinner (2020), Holger Rune (2022) and Rafael Jodar (2026). 

A nice list for Jodar to join. 

The No. 27 seed rallied from two sets to love down on Sunday to take out compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta – his 19th victory on clay this season, which sets up a quarterfinal clash with No.2 seed Alexander Zverev. 

The teenager says he is just trying stay in the moment and appreciate how far he has come in so little time. 

“I’m trying to enjoy the moment,” he said. “I was talking to my friends and to my family before the match. It’s a gift, to play a fourth round in a French Open. So my goal was to enjoy it. 

“Obviously you always want to win and to give your best tennis, and that’s what I did. I think I did a great job accepting the things that came to me today.

Pablo was playing a great level of tennis in the first two sets, and I accepted it. Then I had my chance, and I think I raised my level in the next three sets. So very happy with how the week is going and the season, as well.”

Jodar, who was ranked No. 707 twelve months ago, is now 19-3 on clay this season. He had played three tour-level matches prior to this season. He now leads the ATP in wins on the clay in 2026. 

He’ll face Zverev in the quarterfinals. 

“He’s a great player obviously,” Jodar said of the German. “What he has done is amazing – one of the best players right now on the tour.

“I’ll just try to give my best, try to recover well, because I have played a lot of matches. So I think this day off tomorrow will happen to get ready for that match.

“It’s a quarterfinal match against one of the best players in the world, so I will try to enjoy the opportunity and take a lot of learning, and obviously go with the same belief as today and the other matches that if I do the things well, I can take the win, as well.”