pinalti.com – Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar won his match at the ATP Barcelona tournament on Friday. The 19-year-old from Madrid heard fans chanting ‘Vamos, Rafa!’ in support. This chant is famously associated with the 12-time Barcelona champion Rafael Nadal.
Rafael Jodar is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his legendary namesake. He had never played a professional tournament in Spain before this week. His performance this spring is giving Spanish tennis fans reason to dream.
Jodar’s father and grandfather are also named Rafael. He won the US Open boys’ title in 2024. He is currently ranked 51st in the world.
His ranking is poised to move higher on Monday. He won a title two weeks ago in Marrakesh. He is now competing in Barcelona like Nadal did.
Source: Tennis.com
