Jodar blocking out the outside noise in steep climb up the rankings

When he spoke with reporters after a quarterfinal win over Arthur Fils at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers, the Spaniard stressed again how he doesn’t ponder the rankings and where he might be headed. 

“My goal is still the same, to improve, to discover all the tournaments in my first year on the tour and to play a lot of matches, if it's possible because of the results,” said Jodar. “That's it. Not trying to go up in the rankings. I think that's more secondary, and that's something that it shouldn't be your primary thing and your goal.”

“So, yeah, my goal is to have fun on court and to enjoy all the tournaments that are new for me.”

For onlookers, though, it’s hard to overlook the numbers. This time last year, he was still in the college ranks at Virginia and sitting outside the Top 500. 

READ: No sign of Jodar slowing down as Spaniard tops Fils to reach NBO semis

But after making the final in Washington last week, the 19-year-old climbed to a career-high No. 15. His live ranking sits at No. 11 and if he goes all the way in Montreal, he could be the newest member of the Top 10. 

The player he would overtake, defending NBO champ Ben Shelton, has taken note of Jodar’s steep climb. 

“I’ve been super impressed with Rafa the way that he's come out on tour. I didn't expect there to be another college guy within three years who was 500 in the world and then Top 20 within a year,” said Shelton, who experienced similar progress from 2022 to 2023 following his time at the University of Florida. “He’s probably going to be Top 10 and outdo me, or what I did in 2023.”

“I think that he's got a great game, complete game, good athlete, forehand, backhand, return, up there with the best in the world.”

The scary thing for opponents is that the 6-foot-3 Spaniard coached by his Dad, feels he has plenty to improve. 

That might especially be the case with his serve. 

Yes, he can hit them big. But Jodar has been broken eight times in his four matches at the NBO, and his highest ace count of the tournament is three. 

Jodar, though, has broken serve 20 times in the tournament. 

“I know I'm doing things right, with my Dad and with all the people that are close to me, and I'm just trying to follow my own path,” said Jodar. 

“I think that's the key and one of the most important things, to keep pushing and to keep improving, because there's still a lot of things that I have to learn on and off the court.”

Given his explosion, his time in the spotlight is increasing, as are autograph hunters. Jodar is slowly getting used to it. 

“I try to treat with respect all the people,” said Jodar. “That’s a priority for me. If they want a signature, an autograph or a photo, it's totally fine, if they treat me with respect.”

“I'll keep doing that if I make them happy, because it's something special to see people happy when they get a picture or whatever with a player of whichever sport.”

Jodar tries for a first Masters final when he meets Brandon Nakashima on Wednesday night. 

The American also attended Virginia and the duo played doubles together in Washington. 

“We have a good relationship,” said Jodar. “He went to Virginia…different times, but still a great connection to that university.”

Photo by: Pascal Ratthé/Tennis Canada