Spanish teenager Jodar reaches Shanghai Masters semis after year-long rise
Rafael Jodar, ranked outside the top 900 a year ago, defeats Casper Ruud to become the tournament's youngest semifinalist.
At a glance
- Jodar defeated Ruud to become Shanghai Masters' youngest semifinalist
- He has won all four matches at Shanghai despite losing the opening set in each
- Ranked No. 903 a year ago, now world No. 13 after first full ATP season
- Won maiden ATP title in Morocco and reached French Open quarterfinals
Rafael Jodar, a 20-year-old Spanish player, advanced to the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters on Friday by defeating former world No. 2 Casper Ruud 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. The victory marked Jodar's fourth consecutive comeback win at the tournament, with the match lasting two hours and 20 minutes.
Jodar's achievement caps a remarkable rise in professional tennis. Ranked outside the world's top 900 just over a year ago, he has climbed to world No. 13 in his first full season on the ATP Tour. He won his maiden ATP title in Morocco and reached multiple semifinal appearances at Masters 1000 events this season.
Why it matters
Jodar's rapid ascent from outside the top 900 to world No. 13 in one year represents an exceptional trajectory in professional tennis, with his Shanghai performance demonstrating consistency at the highest level.
Original reporting
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