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 due to injury, 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. He's won three ATP Challenger titles in 2025 and secured tour-level wins at prestigious events like the Australian Open, Miami, Acapulco, Dallas, and Delray Beach in 2026. This meteoric rise has propelled him to the current world No. 34 ranking.
What makes Jodar's success even more remarkable is his unique coaching setup. His father, Rafael, is his sole coach, and he's the only person in his box during matches. This simple yet effective approach has sparked curiosity and debate among tennis experts.
Former British doubles star Colin Fleming praises Jodar's straightforward approach, saying, '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.'
Marion Bartoli, a former Wimbledon champion, suggests that adding a fitness coach could be beneficial for Jodar's development. She notes his physical capabilities and the need to sustain his pace during intense matches. Bartoli believes that with the right support, Jodar can reach the top 10 in the world.
The simplicity of Jodar's coaching setup has also caught the attention of four-time Grand Slam winner Jim Courier, who appreciates the lack of fuss and the focus on results. He says, 'It's almost heart-warming to see his dad all alone on the bench, with no one else. In a world like today's, where we're used to seeing huge teams, seeing Jodar Sr there by himself is surprising.'
Jodar's talent was on full display in Madrid, where he stunned higher-ranked opponents like Alex de Minaur and Joao Fonseca to reach the quarter-finals. His performance caught the eye of Jannik Sinner, who called him 'an explosive player with a big game.'
The 19-year-old's physicality, combined with his lean and tall frame, has made him a formidable opponent. Bartoli describes him as part of a new generation of players who are 'very lean, very tall but can move extremely well.'
As Jodar continues his ascent, the question remains: How far can he go? Fleming believes he has the potential to reach the top 10, while Bartoli predicts he could be in the top 10 in two years. With his current momentum and unique approach, Jodar is certainly a player to watch at the French Open and beyond.
