Rafael Jódar, 2024 US Open junior champion, is continuing his tennis education

The 18-year-old Spaniard has taken his talents to the University of Virginia, at the ATP Challenger Tour.

© Florian Heer

Still just 18, Rafael Jódar has emerged as one of Spain’s most promising young tennis players, seamlessly transitioning between junior Grand Slams, professional events and NCAA competition. The Madrid native has already built an impressive résumé, highlighted by a boys’ US Open title in 2024, a semi-final run on the ATP Challenger Tour, and a strong debut season at the University of Virginia.

Currently ranked No. 686 in the world rankings, Jódar began turning heads in early 2024 when he reached his first quarterfinal on the ITF World Tennis Tour in Vic, Catalonia. He followed that up with a runner-up finish at the ITF M25 in Denia in July 2024, where he lost to fellow Spaniard Pol Martín Tiffon—a performance that further confirmed his professional potential.

“I had been playing on the ITF Juniors Tour, but not much that year because of my studies,” Jódar said during his breakthrough in Catalonia in May last year. “I finished school only two weeks ago. Now, I will continue to play on both circuits, which is good, as I will face different kinds of opponents.”

US Open junior champion

Jódar has long been regarded as a top junior talent. He was ranked as high as No. 4 in the ITF Junior Rankings, but 2024 proved to be a defining year. Jódar captured the US Open boys’ singles title.

“This year I had an incredible moment at the US Open and I was really proud of myself. I was very happy because all the hard work I had been doing during my whole life showed in that tournament,” he said. “I played against great players there, because the best juniors are playing in those big events. I think that’s the first step in my career.”

Jódar’s game is built around a strong serve and solid groundstrokes on both sides, as was evident in Flushing Meadows.

“I want to be aggressive on the court,” he said. “I have a big serve and I’m solid on both sides.”

I like how Sinner plays and the way he faces the matches. And of course, Alcaraz, because he is from my country.

Getting ready in Madrid

Jódar usually trains at Club de Tenis Chamartín in Madrid, where he also completed his schooling.

“It was difficult for me to handle both things,” the teenager admitted. “But I got good grades, and I am very happy with that.”

He’s also been supported by the Spanish Tennis Federation, which has helped him gain entry into top-level international events.

“That’s important for me, as I have the chance to face very tough opponents.”

Jódar understands the challenge of transitioning from the juniors to the pro tour.

“It’s a huge change for sure,” he said. “The fitness is the most important thing at these types of tournaments. I do good work in Madrid and hope to continue playing the pro tournaments.”

Off court, Jódar enjoys watching Outer Banks on Netflix and spending time with friends in Madrid. A loyal Real Madrid supporter, he often attends matches at the stadium.

“It was incredible to have won La Liga as well as the Champions League. 2024 was a big year for the club.”

Growing up, Jódar looked up to Rafael Nadal, and today he cites Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz as his main inspirations.

“I like how Sinner plays and the way he faces the matches. And of course, Alcaraz, because he is from my country.”

Success in the college game

Following his US Open triumph, Jódar opened a new chapter by pursuing college tennis at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. It’s increasingly common to see young tennis talents from around the world head to the United States on scholarships, using their athletic skills to earn a college education while continuing to grow both on and off the court.

The level of NCAA competition continues to rise, attracting international players who view college tennis as an ideal pathway to mature physically and mentally, before committing fully to the professional tour. They learn English, receive a world-class education, step out of their comfort zones, meet people from diverse backgrounds, experience different training methods, and take advantage of exceptional facilities.

Most importantly, they delay the pressures of the professional circuit until they feel more prepared —both physically and mentally.

Since joining the team in January this year, Jódar has already made a big impact, being named ACC Freshman of the Year—just the eighth player in program history to earn the honor.

I want to be aggressive on the court. I have a big serve and I’m solid on both sides.

Semifinal run at Challenger level—and more to come

In late March, Jódar competed in the Morelos Open in Mexico, where he advanced to his first ATP Challenger semifinal. College players are allowed to participate in two professional tournaments per year. Taking advantage of a break before the decisive stretch of the NCAA season, the Madrid native decided to test himself at the event, and it paid off.

Further successful appearances on the Challenger Tour, and potentially beyond, can certainly be expected. With his blend of talent, maturity, and versatility, Rafael Jódar looks set to be one of the standout players of his generation and a name to watch closely in the years to come.

ATP Challenger Tour

No glamour, no VIP lounges: Just pure tennis drama at the Roma Garden Open

Set in southeastern Rome, this event is a textbook example of what makes an ATP Challenger tournament special.

ByFlorian Heer

Published Jun 25, 2025

Sam Querrey explains everything you need to know about the ATP Challenger Tour

The Tennis Club Garden in Rome isn’t the place for grand stage shows or glitzy presentations. Instead, the venue sits directly under a flight path, where Ryanair planes approach nearby Ciampino Airport every fifteen minutes.

The hum of low-flying aircraft is part of the unmistakable atmosphere at the Roma Garden Open—a tournament that, since 2002 (with the exception of the pandemic year 2020), has offered nothing but pure tennis.

A True Challenger Experience

The Roma Garden Open is a textbook example of what defines an ATP Challenger tournament: little glamour, no spotlight—just high-level, authentic tennis in a close-knit environment. At this event, the sport takes center stage, not the spectacle. The emotional Roman crowd adds to the vibrant atmosphere around the grounds.

The Roma Garden Open is a textbook example of what defines an ATP Challenger tournament: little glamor, no spotlight—just high-level, authentic tennis in a close-knit environment.

With ticket prices at just €10 ($11.50), fans can enjoy matches up close and personal. Due to a lack of parking spaces, visitors typically abandon their cars in a long line along the adjacent country road and walk the remaining distance to the venue.

Don’t expect the professional infrastructure media representatives enjoy on the ATP Tour. A press center? Nowhere to be found. Reliable Wi-Fi? Not here. But if you’re lucky, you might score a spot at the small café on-site—home to one precious power outlet.

Charming improvisation is part of what gives this tournament its distinctive character.

Despite its modest surroundings, the Roma Garden Open has produced an impressive list of past champions over the years. This year, home favorite Matteo Gigante lifted the trophy.

© Instagram @matteogigantee

A List of Notable Champions

Despite its modest surroundings, the Roma Garden Open has produced an impressive list of past champions over the years. Players such as Argentina’s Federico Delbonis, Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz, Britain’s Kyle Edmund, and Italy’s Marco Cecchinato all laid the groundwork for later success here. This year, it was home favorite Matteo Gigante who lifted the trophy.

“For me, the tournament at the Tennis Club Garden was always special because it took place one week before the ATP Masters 1000 event at the Foro Italico,” Challenger legend Paolo Lorenzi is quoted as saying in the tournament magazine. “I used it to prepare for the most important tennis event in Italy.” Over the course of his career, the Roman claimed 21 titles on the Challenger Tour. While the Roma Garden Open wasn’t among them, Lorenzi always relished competing there.

“Being supported by the passionate crowd gave me strength in both singles and doubles. It’s a date not to be missed—also because of Pancho, whose experience and kindness always made you feel right at home.”

“The tournament at the Tennis Club Garden was always special because it took place one week before the ATP Masters 1000 event at the Foro Italico,” says Challenger legend Paolo Lorenzi.

Tennis Up Close

Just behind the stands of Court No. 1 and next to the players’ area, older gentlemen are playing cards. The vibe is relaxed, reminiscent of a time when tennis felt more immediate—closer to the players, more direct in its emotional impact.

Here, professionals fight for valuable ranking points in every round and strive for the next breakthrough in their careers, all under the eyes of a crowd that shares their love for the game.

The Roma Garden Open clearly proves one thing: tennis doesn’t need floodlights, sky-cams, or VIP lounges to make an impact. Sometimes all it takes is a few humble courts in southeastern Rome, players giving their all—and a setting steeped in authenticity to bring the true spirit of the sport to life.