Raphael Jodar
Jodar approaches Top 100 after Norrie Acapulco victory: ‘I enjoy the process’
The Spaniard is at number 101 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings
February 24, 2026
Rafael Jodar makes his debut at the ATP 500 event in Acapulco.
By Sam Jacot
Rafael Jodar continued his meteoric rise on Monday at HSBC’s presentation of Abierto Mexicano Telcel, where he edged past former Acapulco finalist Cameron Norrie 6-3, 6-2 to reach the second round.
Twelve months ago, Jodar was outside the Top 900. Now he is on the cusp of the Top 100, with his win against Norrie pushing him to number 101 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
In the past six months, the 2024 US Open boys’ singles champion has won three ATP Challenger titles, competed in the Next Gen ATP Finals and has now recorded three tour-level wins this year.
“I have traveled a lot and played a lot of tournaments,” Jodar told ATPTour.com after his victory against Norrie. “I haven’t even had two or three weeks at home to relax and [process] what I’m doing. But I just try to enjoy the process and every step I take in this beautiful process. I try to play all the tournaments I can and enjoy all the places I can play and it means a lot to me.”
According to Infosys ATP Stats, Jodar made just six unforced errors and failed to face a break point against world number 26 Norrie. Still just 19 years old, Jodar becomes only the fourth man born in 2006 or later to win a match at ATP 500 level, joining Joao Fonseca, Justin Engel and Diego Dedura.
“It’s a great tournament, great facilities and organization in general,” said Jodar when asked about Acapulco’s participation. “It’s one of my first ATP 500 events and getting my first win here in Mexico means a lot to me. It means a lot to me for the work I put in and I’m super happy.
“I just tried to be focused in every moment of the match. Cameron is a great fighter and a great player, so I knew some moments would be difficult, so I tried to be stronger than him in those moments. I’m happy to get the win here.”
Jodar turned professional after the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah in December, when he recorded wins against Learner Tien and Martin Landaluce. The 19-year-old represented the University of Virginia in 2024 and 2025 and is the latest talent to blossom in the American university system.
World No. 9 Ben Shelton represented the University of Florida in 2021 and 2022, while Next Gen ATP Finals champion Ten played for the University of Southern California. 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals titlist Brandon Nakashima played for the University of Virginia and 21-year-old Ethan Quinn won the 2023 NCAA singles championship national title while representing the University of Georgia.
Aiming to become the latest college star to make the Top 100, Jodar will next play Grigor Dimitrov or Terence Atmane in Acapulco.
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