The Jodar Jolt: What's Behind Tennis's Latest Upstart Sensation? Rafael Jodar made a splash in his French Open debut, defeating Aleksandar Kovacevic 6 1, 6 0, 6 4.
But what lies behind this 19 year old Spaniard's rapid rise to prominence? Is he the real deal or just another flash in the pan?
On paper, Jodar's numbers are impressive: 16 wins out of his last 19 matches, a clay trophy in Morocco, and semifinals appearances in Barcelona and Madrid. He's jumped from No. 707 to No.