It didn’t take long for Spain to produce another generational talent in tennis as Rafael Nadal’s illustrious career neared its end.
Carlos Alcaraz has already carved out a legendary career on the ATP Tour and is still just 22 years of age.
Alcaraz has won 26 ATP titles, seven of which have been captured on the very biggest stages in the sport: Grand Slams.
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At 19 he was the youngest ever world number one, and at 22 he became the youngest ever to complete the Career Grand Slam by winning each of the four majors at least once.
Though Alcaraz remains by far the best Spanish player in the world, tennis legend Boris Becker thinks the country has another young and upcoming star to get excited about.
Boris Becker praises Rafael Jodar after win in Barcelona
Rafael Jodar, aged 19, made history at the Barcelona Open in front of a home crowd on Friday.
Jodar became just the fifth Spanish teenager in the Open Era to reach the semifinals of the ATP 500 tournament.
By beating Cameron Norrie in straight sets, he joined Alcaraz, Nadal, Carlos Moya and Alex Corretja in the list of compatriots who achieved the feat.
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Reacting to Jodar’s win over Norrie, Becker took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to say: “What a talent!”
“Love his composure and maturity already. Spain is lucky to have another diamond in its arsenal.”
Rafael Jodar’s results on the ATP Tour so far this season
Jodar kicked off his 2026 campaign with a strong start by advancing to the final of a Challenger event in Canberra, where he ultimately fell to Alexander Blockx.
Then, the teenager qualified for a Grand Slam for the first time in his career at the Australian Open and made the second round before losing to Jakub Mensik.
Following an early exit in Dallas, Jodar picked up two more wins across the Delray Beach Open and the Mexican Open, beating Ethan Quinn and Norrie.
His Sunshine Double started with a first-round defeat in Indian Wells, but at the Miami Open, Jodar advanced to the third round, overcoming experienced players Yannick Hanfmann and Aleksandar Vukic.
Earlier this month, Jodar secured his first ATP title, triumphing at an ATP 250 event in Marrakech.
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