Casper Ruud shares thoughts on Rafael Jodar after breakthrough Madrid Open week

Rafael Jodar has been one of the real breakout stars on clay this season.

He picked up his first ATP title in Morocco and followed that up with a semi-final run in Barcelona and a quarter-final appearance in Madrid.

In Madrid, Jodar knocked off Alex de Minaur and Joao Fonseca before running into Jannik Sinner, who proved to be a step too far.

Following his quarter-final defeat, three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud shared his thoughts on the 19-year-old Spaniard.

Casper Ruud praises Rafael Jodar’s potential

Ruud lost to Alexander Blockx in the Madrid Open quarter-finals, which meant he was unable to defend his title.

Afterwards, he was asked whether he had watched Jodar’s match against Sinner.

“I didn’t see much of the match. But all in all, he’s a fantastic player already,” said Ruud.

“He’s so young, and he has a lot of energy. He has very good charisma. He seemed like a very nice guy.

“I talk with him every now and then. I never played with him or practiced. But what you see from the outside looks like a very nice kid.

“He will be a tough player for many years to come.”

When asked if he is looking forward to playing Jodar, Ruud responded:

Jodar has started his clay-court campaign in fine form, winning 12 of the 14 matches he has played so far this year.

The only two players to beat Jodar this year remain undefeated on clay for 2024 – Sinner and Blockx.

Jodar’s strong start raises questions about surface specialisation

Based on what we’ve seen from Jodar so far this season, it’s easy to assume he’s most comfortable on clay.

However, a closer look at his Challenger Tour record tells a different story.

He’s won three titles at that level, and none of them came on clay. In fact, his junior Grand Slam title also came on hard courts at the 2024 US Open.

So while Jodar already has a solid track record outside of clay, there are still questions about how well his game will translate to grass.

The Italian Open in Rome is next up for him as he looks to continue building on his early-season momentum.

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