Jódar reveals the advice Nadal gave him to grow in his first year on the circuit

Carlos Navarro | 21 Mar 2026 | 19.18

Jódar and a piece of advice from Nadal... that changed his perspective on the circuit. Source: Getty

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Rafael Jódar is one of the standout names of the Miami Open 2026. The Spanish Armada advances relentlessly through Florida, with Carlos Alcaraz flanked by two young luxury lieutenants: Martín Landaluce... and also a Rafa who, at just 19 years old, continues to make his mark in his first year as a professional. This time, his victory over Aleksandar Vukic allows him to debut in the third round of a Masters 1000, a well-deserved reward for his work ethic and a tennis game that keeps improving.

His relatively short journey in the big leagues means that each event can be a completely new experience for Rafa, with the risk of sometimes becoming very difficult to manage. The enormity of his achievements can leave a mark that in this case he tries to handle with the advice of his team... and also of figures like Rafael Nadal, with whom he crossed paths at the past Next Gen Finals. Regarding what came out of that meeting, including advice that the Madrid native still remembers, he chatted with the Tennis Channel team, while also providing a detailed analysis of the aspects of his game in which he wants to progress immediately.

Rafa Jódar revealed the advice Nadal gave him months ago, in addition to consciously analyzing his current weaknesses

- Great victory, very forceful, over a Vukic who could do little or nothing against his tennis

"Yes, it was a great match. I felt very good on the court today. The feelings are great. I knew it was going to be a tough match because everyone here plays really well, but overall I am very happy with my level today."

- He has broken into the top 100 in his first year on the ATP circuit, which brings indescribable happiness to Rafa

"Honestly, the top 100 was not one of my goals at the beginning of the season. Yes, I know I have been doing a great job with my entire team, but it wasn't. It means a lot to me to be among the top hundred, although I know I have to keep working. I feel very good here in Miami."

- What are his goals now, once he has broken that barrier?

"Well, just keep improving, nothing else. I know my game can still develop a lot. I feel I need to improve many things, and that's fantastic because it means my level can be much higher. I will keep working on everything I feel I can improve. Honestly, I think I can improve in everything."

For example, I believe I have room for improvement in volleying. I must continue working on these aspects, coming to the net more and refining my game at the net. Also, the sliced backhand, of course, is something I am working on a lot. In general, I still think I am very young, that I can and should improve in many things."

- A moment when he felt he belonged at this level, realizing he can be among the best

"I can't pick just one, really. I have achieved great things this season, and I think it is due, in part, to all the work I did in the preseason and throughout last year. I can't choose a specific match. All the matches I have played this year have helped me to reach this level."

- Meeting Rafa Nadal last year at the Next Gen Finals, an unforgettable experience for the Madrid native... and being given advice by the Spaniard that he still remembers

"It was fantastic, no doubt. I had the chance to talk to him for a while; it was the second time I had seen him, but yes, you realize he is a very kind and friendly person. He gave me some advice. He is very natural, very normal, a very regular person. It was a privilege for someone like Rafa to see me at the Next Gen Finals. Advice? Well, he told me to try not to play too many tournaments because I think there are players who try to play everything, every week, and it's not positive for your health. You have to do it if you want to be a great player and stay on the circuit for a long time. That's one of the pieces of advice he gave."