Federer in Awe of Jodar's Meteoric Climb
Roger Federer is clearly paying close attention to the current ATP Tour, and one name stood out when the 20-time Grand Slam champion was asked which players he most enjoys watching. Speaking to ESPN ahead of the 2026 US Open, Federer described Rafael Jodar's surge up the rankings as "pretty incredible," adding that virtually nobody predicted it just a few months ago.
The praise is well-earned. Jodar began 2025 ranked 165th in the world, but a maiden ATP title in Marrakech sparked a remarkable run of form. He went on to win 21 of his next 29 matches and climbed all the way to a career-high ranking of 11th. Federer specifically noted how consistently Jodar has maintained his elevated level, calling that the most impressive part of the whole story.
Big Hitters and Big Personalities
Beyond Jodar, Federer also singled out Ben Shelton and Joao Fonseca as players whose games he genuinely loves to watch. He cited their power, shot-making creativity, and outsized personalities as the qualities that make them compelling viewing.
Federer also took a moment to celebrate Alexander Zverev's maiden Grand Slam title at the 2026 French Open, noting that he has known Zverev since he was a young boy coming through the junior ranks. On the broader US Open picture, Federer said he finds the field more open than in recent years, which adds to the excitement.
Federer himself was at Flushing Meadows to play an exhibition set against Andy Roddick on Arthur Ashe Stadium before his International Tennis Hall of Fame induction in Newport, Rhode Island. TennisDraw users will want to factor in that wide-open field when locking in their bracket picks for the tournament.
