Quick Read
- Rafael Jodar achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 114 this week.
- He upset world No. 26 Cameron Norrie in the opening round of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco on February 23, 2026.
- Jodar, a 19-year-old #NextGenATP player, received a wild card entry into the ATP 500 tournament.
- Earlier in 2026, he reached the Canberra Challenger 125 final and the Australian Open second round (after qualifying).
- The victory against Norrie positions Jodar to potentially break into the ATP Top 100.
ACAPULCO (Azat TV) – Spanish tennis prodigy Rafael Jodar, a 19-year-old #NextGenATP star, reached a new career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 114 this week, following a monumental upset victory over world No. 26 Cameron Norrie in the opening round of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC in Acapulco. Jodar, who received a wild card entry into the prestigious ATP 500 tournament, defeated the highly-ranked Briton on Monday, February 23, 2026, signaling a significant leap in his burgeoning professional career.
The victory against Norrie, a former Indian Wells Masters 1000 champion, marks the biggest win of Jodar’s career to date. Entering the match, Jodar was considered the underdog, with betting odds favoring Norrie, yet the young Spaniard delivered a commanding performance to secure his spot in the Round of 16. This triumph has not only propelled him to his best-ever ranking but also places him on the cusp of breaking into the ATP Top 100, a critical milestone for any aspiring professional.
Jodar’s Acapulco Triumph Over Cameron Norrie
Rafael Jodar’s stunning win at the Acapulco opener captivated tennis enthusiasts. Facing Cameron Norrie, a seasoned competitor ranked significantly higher, Jodar demonstrated remarkable composure and skill. The match, played on a hard court, saw Jodar overcome the challenge despite Norrie’s strong record on the surface, where he had won 78.3% of his service games over the past year, according to USA TODAY Sportsbookwire. Jodar, meanwhile, had shown strong hard-court form himself, winning 71.1% of his service games and converting 43.8% of his break points in the past year.
The wild card entry into the main draw of an ATP 500 event like Acapulco provided Jodar with a crucial opportunity to test his mettle against top-tier talent. His ability to capitalize on this chance against a player of Norrie’s caliber underscores his potential and the effectiveness of his aggressive playing style. The win not only provided valuable ATP points but also considerable momentum as he navigates the demanding ATP Tour schedule.
A Season of Milestones for the Spanish Talent
The 2026 season has been a breakthrough year for Rafael Jodar, characterized by a series of notable achievements that have steadily elevated his ranking and profile. Earlier in the year, Jodar reached the final of the Challenger 125 tournament in Canberra, showcasing his competitive edge at a high level. His performance continued to impress at the Australian Open, where he successfully navigated the qualifiers to make his Grand Slam main draw debut, eventually reaching the second round.
Jodar has also made his presence felt in other ATP circuit events. He successfully passed the qualifying stage at the ATP 500 tournament in Dallas before falling in the opening round to Denis Shapovalov. Following this, he advanced to the second round of the ATP 250 event in Delray Beach, where he narrowly lost to top-10 player Taylor Fritz. These consistent performances against established players have been instrumental in his rapid ascent, culminating in his current career-high ranking of No. 114.
The Road Ahead for Rafael Jodar
Rafael Jodar’s recent surge in the ATP rankings and his significant victory in Acapulco have placed him firmly in the spotlight as one of the most promising young talents in professional tennis. His progression from a qualifier at the Australian Open to upsetting a top-30 player in an ATP 500 event within months highlights his rapid development and readiness for higher-level competition. With his current ranking, Jodar is now within striking distance of the coveted ATP Top 100, a benchmark that often opens doors to direct entry into more significant tournaments and potentially lucrative sponsorships.
His consistent ability to perform well on hard courts, as evidenced by his 9-4 record over the past year, positions him well for success in a significant portion of the ATP calendar. As he continues to gain experience and refine his game, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if this young Spaniard can consolidate his position and become a regular fixture among the sport’s elite.
Rafael Jodar’s recent career-high ranking and high-profile upset victory underscore a clear upward trajectory, signaling his emergence as a formidable presence on the ATP Tour and setting the stage for his anticipated entry into the world’s top 100.