Rafael Jodar on the most important event in Marrakech: First Time Winner Spotlight | ATP Tour | Tennis

First Time Winner

Jodar in important Marrakech and work after Nadal, Alcaraz: First time Winner Spotlight

The #NextGenATP star talks exclusively to ATPtour.com in Marrakech

05 April 2026

Rafael Jodar marked another milestone in his young career in Marrakech on Sunday, as the #NextGenATP Spaniard defeated Marco Trungelliti 6-3, 6-2 to win his first ATP Tour title at the Grand Prix Hassan II.

Jodar, who was outside the Top 900 of the PIF ATP Rankings last year but will move up to the career-high No. 57, later spoke to ATPtour.com to reflect on his latest success, what it means, and how he wants to emulate the success of other Spaniards.

What does it mean to win your first ATP Tour title so early in your career?
I am very happy with how the week went. Overall, I felt good on the court, from the first match. It was the first clay tournament for me so it was going to be difficult at first, but I always have the mindset to give my best tennis and what I have in the game. That’s what I’ve done in all the tournaments, so it means a lot to win my first ATP title here in Marrakech.

Just 12 months ago you were outside the World Leaders 900. How would you describe this rapid rise?
It’s been a good year for me. I was able to see many beautiful places. I’ve been to many places around the world this year, so I’m very thankful for all the people who came with me, who supported me through the good times and the bad. That always inspires me and I want to thank all the people who have helped me achieve this title.

You only became a professional at the end of 2025. Did you expect success to come so quickly?
Honestly, no. I never set a goal for the season. I am trying to give my best and improve my tennis level. But overall, I think I’ve had a great week on clay here in Morocco, so I’m very happy with how the week has turned out for me and I’ll try to make sure that this is just the beginning. It should give me motivation for the next challenges.

Marrakech was your first tour-level tournament on clay. What do you think is the key to adapting quickly to the ATP Tour?
I think everyone here is playing really well. You have to focus on all the challenges and all the things other players are doing during the games. I think in all competitions you have to win games at your best, but some days you don’t have that level so you have to keep believing that you can win the game. That has been my inspiration and mindset since I was a child.

Who are the people you would like to dedicate this honor to?
To my family. I think they have been there for me since I was very young. I also want to thank my tennis team, where I have been playing since I was six years old. I want to thank them for all the tools they have given me since I was very young. Also, to all the people who support me.

The University of Virginia, where I was last year, and all the coaches and teammates who supported me, who continue to support me. [even though] I’m not there. It’s been a really good year for me, so I want to thank everyone who has supported me through the good times and the bad.

You also balance college tennis at the University of Virginia with your career progression. How did that experience affect your game and mind?
I think it was a good year for me in college. I could improve a lot and I improved my tennis position a lot. I was only there for six months or 12 months, but the coaches helped me a lot, taking me to professional matches and balancing college tennis with the professional circuit. It was a big change for me. I am very grateful for all they have done. The coaches were also very close to my father, who was in Madrid, and I think that relationship also helped a lot to improve my tennis level.

You are part of the new generation of upcoming Spanish players. How inspiring is it to follow in the footsteps of players like Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz?
It’s a lot of inspiration, because there have always been a lot of Spanish players, and very good ones. It’s great that Spain has a lot of good players on the Tour. I am very happy with how everyone on the Tour is working, not only for tennis but also for Spanish sports. I think it’s great, and I’m very grateful to be a part of that country.

How will you celebrate your first ATP Tour title?
Honestly, I don’t know. I will have to do something with my father. I will go back to Spain tonight and try to celebrate a little tomorrow with my family. Honestly, I have no plans, but I will do something in Madrid.