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19-year-old Rafael Jodar delivered one of the biggest upsets at the Next Gen ATP Finals 2025 with his comeback back over top seed and World No. 28 Learner Tien. The Spanish teenager fought from two sets to one down and saved four match points in the deciding set for a hard-fought 1-4, 4-3 (3), 1-4, 4-2, 4-3 (4) win.
Aside from competing on the Challenger circuit, Jodar is also juggling college tennis and his education at the University of Virginia. Following his win over Tien, he acknowledged how much his college has done for him so far, and how he has enjoyed his time there in his on-court interview.
"I'm super grateful for everything that Virginia has done for me this year. It has been a very good month for me. Playing and studying at the same time in Virginia has been one of the best years of my life so far. I know I have to keep going in Jeddah, recover well, get ready for tomorrow because it's going to be another battle," Rafael Jodar said.
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Jodar is currently a sophomore at the University of Virginia. He posted a 19-3 record in singles during his freshman year at the college. He was named the ITA National Rookie of the Year for the 2024-25 season, and received other accolades as well.
Outside of his college career, Jodar won the boys' singles title at the US Open 2024. He leveled up in 2025, capturing his first three titles on the Challenger circuit and moving closer to the top 100 of the ATP rankings.
Jodar isn't resting on his laurels though, and is focused on his upcoming match at the Next Gen ATP Finals. Another win would likely cement his place in the semifinals of the tournament.
Rafael Jodar will face Nikolai Budkov Kjaer in his next match at the Next Gen ATP Finals 2025
Rafael Jodar will lock horns with fifth seed Nikolai Budkov Kjaer in his second match of the group stage of the Next Gen ATP Finals 2025 on Thursday, December 18. The latter scored a 4-1, 3-4 (7), 4-2, 4-3 (4) win over Martin Landaluce in his opener.
This will be the first match between Jodar and Budkov Kjaer since they met in the boys' singles final at the US Open 2024. The Spaniard rallied from a set down to claim the title in New York.
Following his showdown with Budkov Kjaer, Jodar will face compatriot Landaluce in his final match of the group stage. His win over Learner Tien has put him in a great spot to qualify for the semifinals. He would love to emulate another countryman of his, Carlos Alcaraz, by eventually hoisting the winner's trophy at the Next Gen ATP Finals.
