David Ferrer is making some bold but compelling comparisons. The former world No. 3 and French Open finalist has likened 19-year-old Rafael Jodar to a teenage Rafael Nadal, pointing to the youngster's fearless mentality as the defining trait they share.
Jodar has been one of the most electrifying stories of the 2025 season. After winning three ATP Challenger titles and breaking into the top 100 in March, he claimed his first ATP Tour title at the Marrakech Open, dropping just one set throughout the entire event. He then strung together semi-final and quarter-final runs at Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome, joining Nadal and Alcaraz as the only Spanish teenagers to reach the last eight at both Madrid and Rome in the same season.
His run at the Washington Open has taken things to another level entirely. Wins over Arthur Fils, Kei Nishikori, Lorenzo Musetti, and Alejandro Tabilo have propelled him into his first ATP 500 final, where he faces Taylor Fritz. A victory would lift Jodar to No. 11 in the world rankings.
Speaking to El Larguero on SER, Ferrer described Jodar as someone who walks onto court without fear, regardless of the opponent's reputation. "He reminds me a lot of Rafa Nadal when he was 17," Ferrer said, adding that Alcaraz shares the same rare mental quality. Breaking through those psychological barriers at such a young age, Ferrer stressed, is genuinely exceptional.
On the topic of Alcaraz, who has been sidelined since April with a wrist injury, Ferrer sounded a positive note, saying recovery is progressing well and that a return should not be far away.
TennisDraw users who follow Spanish tennis closely will want to keep both Jodar and a returning Alcaraz firmly in their bracket considerations.
