Rafael Jodar joins Carlos Alcaraz on rare list after first ATP Tour title

Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar claimed his first ATP Tour title on Sunday, defeating Marco Trungelliti in the final of the Marrakech Open.

Jodar, seen by many as one of Spain’s next big hopes, beat the Argentine 6-3, 6-2 to lift the trophy in Morocco.

The 19-year-old was too much for Trungelliti, who at 36 still found a milestone of his own by breaking into the ATP top 100 for the first time.

Jodar was sharp throughout, winning 94 per cent of his second serve points and finishing with five aces.

After his win in Marrakech, Jodar has joined Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner among young players making their mark on tennis history.

Rafael Jodar moves into a growing ATP club

According to well-known tennis journalist Jose Morgado, Rafael Jodar has become only the 11th teenager this decade to capture an ATP Tour title.

The Madrid native now joins Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune and Joao Fonseca among those who won an ATP event before turning 20.

Alcaraz managed nine titles before hitting that milestone, though it’s important not to draw direct comparisons. Alcaraz is already seen as a generational talent with the potential to be one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Jodar’s success still offers a glimpse into his own potential. His composure and maturity were clear during his run in Marrakech, qualities not many players show at such a young age.

Nine teenagers have captured ATP titles since the start of this decade:

Carlos Alcaraz sends message to Rafael Jodar after his ATP Tour title

Alcaraz took to Instagram Stories to send his congratulations to Jodar after the win in Marrakech.

The message was simple but supportive: “Great job, Rafa Jodar! Congratulations! Let’s go!”

Jodar, meanwhile, is not part of the field for this week’s Monte Carlo Masters. Instead, he’s expected to make his next appearance at the Barcelona Open on April 11.

Alcaraz, however, will be in action this week. He starts his Monte Carlo campaign on Tuesday against either Sebastian Baez or Stan Wawrinka following a first-round bye.

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