Rafael Jódar, a 19-year-old Spanish tennis player ranked world No. 15, has advanced to the semifinals of the Canadian Open in Montreal, putting him on track to break into the top 10 faster than any player since Boris Becker in 1985. Jódar defeated 22-year-old Frenchman Arthur Fils 7-6(5), 6-3 in the quarterfinals, marking his seventh quarterfinal appearance in his past eight tournaments dating back to March.
Rafael Jódar’s Historic Ascent Through the ATP Rankings
Jódar entered the Canadian Open ranked No. 15 in the world after sitting outside the top 500 just a year prior. Should Jódar capture this Canadian Open title, he is set to shatter the record for the quickest ascent from outside the top 100 into the top 10. Boris Becker set the record in 1985 at 210 days. Jódar would do it in 140.
Top seed and defending champion Ben Shelton lived it just three years ago. At age 20, the American went from outside the top 100 in November 2022 to world No. 16 a year later. Meanwhile, his countryman Learner Tien is the world No. 19, also at 20, a modest 213-spot leap from his ranking this time in 2025.
Tactical Breakdown of Jódar’s Game
Despite being a slender teenager who must put his entire physique behind every stroke, Jódar’s groundstrokes remain remarkably potent. Arthur Fils noted in a press conference that the Spaniard’s forehand is insane, his backhand is top, and his return is very good. While Jódar’s first serve sits at the ATP Tour average by winning 71 percent of points, his flat, hard returns hit off both wings at improbable angles again and again set him apart.
Did you know? Jódar owes his strong grasp of English to his time playing collegiate tennis for the University of Virginia during 2024 and 2025, a background shared by all four Montreal semifinalists; Jódar and his upcoming semifinal opponent, 25-year-old Brandon Nakashima—the oldest of the final four—both attended the Virginia institution.
Rivalry With Arthur Fils Sets the Stage for the Future
The competition between the two is already gaining traction, as Jódar bounced back with a pair of recent triumphs following his defeat to Fils on the clay courts of the Barcelona Open semifinals back in April. Reflecting on their developing rivalry, Fils stated in a post-match press conference that they will have 10 very fun years.
Jódar kicked off the match with a 3-0 lead by goading Fils into overhitting. When Fils broke back to even the first set, Jódar kept calm, zipped to a 4-1 lead in the tiebreak before serving out the first set, and navigated a second set where Fils earned a code violation for a racket smash.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is Rafael Jódar rising in the ATP rankings?
Jódar moved from outside the top 500 to world No. 15 in the span of a year. If he wins this Canadian Open, he will become the fastest player to make the top 10 after first breaking the top 100, doing it in 140 days compared to Boris Becker’s 1985 record of 210 days.
Did Rafael Jódar play college tennis?
Yes, Jódar spent the year playing college tennis at the University of Virginia across 2024 and 2025.
Who are the other young players performing well at the Canadian Open?
Along with Jódar, 20-year-old American Learner Tien is the world No. 19, and top seed and defending champion Ben Shelton is also among the players left standing in Montreal.
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