Cheered on by Jude Bellingham, Rafael Jodar lived up to his billing as the new star of the Madrid Open.
The blow of losing Spain’s main man Carlos Alcaraz to a wrist injury on the eve of the tournament was tempered by the presence in the draw for the first time of Jodar, three years his compatriot’s junior and making big waves in men’s tennis.
For his debut at the tournament in his home city, the 19-year-old was centre stage on the cavernous Manolo Santana stadium and fought back from a set down to defeat Dutchman Jesper de Jong 2-6 7-5 6-4.
Rafa x Jude 🙌🏻⚽️🎾@BellinghamJude | @realmadrid | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/EEz6CvatyH
— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) April 22, 2026
After completing the victory, Real Madrid fan Jodar turned to Bellingham in the crowd with his arms outstretched in a tribute to the England midfielder’s trademark goal celebration before writing ‘Hey Jude’ on the camera lens.
Jodar had not known Bellingham would be there, saying: “It was for me a surprise, I had no idea, but then I had the chance to talk to him.
“He’s a great person. I also had the opportunity to meet him two years ago when I won the US Open juniors, they invited me to the stadium and to meet the players.
“They are all great people. I’m super grateful that he came to support me and to watch some tennis. He’s a role model for me.”
Bellingham is Jodar’s favourite player but he treated a backstage meeting with his idol at the stadium where he used to watch tennis as a child in the same calm way with which he has handled his sudden ascent to fame.
Ranked outside the top 160 at the start of the season, Jodar now sits at 42 in the rankings after winning his first title in Marrakech and reaching the semi-finals last week in Barcelona.
Two years after Rafael Nadal’s final appearance in Madrid, chants of ‘Vamos Rafa’ rang around the Caja Magica again, and there is no doubting the buzz of excitement surrounding Jodar.
The teenager, who stands at 6ft 3in and uses his long levers to let rip off both wings, admitted he was nervous at the start and he made too many errors in the opening set.
But growing up watching Nadal instilled in him a mentality to keep fighting until the last point and, although clearly fatigued in the closing stages, he was able to give the crowd the ending they craved with a final crunching forehand winner.
Debut Delight 🔥
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 22, 2026
Rafael Jodar continues his impressive form as he beats Jesper De Jong 2-6 7-5 6-4 to record his first Masters 1000 win #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/R4dKL22wNF
“It was a great match,” he said. “Many people that I know came to watch my match so it was really special to see them in the stands.
“I’m super grateful for all the people that came to support me. The match didn’t start the way I wanted but I think I did a good job trying to bounce back in the second set when I had the chance.
“This win is also thanks to all the people who were cheering for me from the first until the last point.”
Jodar also has the backing of his illustrious countrymen, spending time with Nadal at the Next Gen ATP Finals in the winter, while Alcaraz last week labelled him an “outstanding player”.
Gracias @MutuaMadridOpen y @realmadrid. Ha sido muy especial disfrutar de esta pista única en el Bernabéu.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) April 23, 2026
Buen nivel, @thibautcourtois y @BellinghamJude 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/r9DXVXfPQT
The hype is already enormous but will hit another level if he can claim a first top-10 win in the second round against fifth seed Alex De Minaur on Friday.
Jodar, meanwhile, may get the opportunity to tread in Bellingham’s shoes, with the Bernabeu transformed into a practice venue for the tournament this week.
The court was opened on Thursday afternoon, with Bellingham and Real keeper Thibaut Courtois hitting with Nadal and world number one Jannik Sinner.
Nadal posted on X: “Thank you, @MutuaMadridOpen and @realmadrid. It has been very special to enjoy this unique court at the Bernabeu.”
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