Rafael Jodar is on the brink of making history, potentially breaking the record for the fastest rise to the top 10 in men's tennis. The 19-year-old Spaniard secured his spot in the Canadian Open semi-final in Montreal by defeating Arthur Fils 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.
Currently ranked 11th in the live ATP rankings, Jodar could enter the top 10 in just 140 days if he wins his semi-final match against Brandon Nakashima. This would smash Boris Becker's 1985 record of 210 days, achieved when Becker was 18.
Jodar's rapid ascent has already outpaced many modern greats. Carlos Alcaraz took 336 days to go from the top 100 to the top 10, while Novak Djokovic achieved it in 623 days. Both Rafael Nadal and Jannik Sinner managed it in 735 days, and Roger Federer in 973.
Jodar, who only turned professional at the start of 2026, has had a remarkable debut season. He reached the top 100 on 30 March and the top 50 by 20 April. His aggressive playing style, inspired by Rafael Nadal, features heavy, high-speed shots and a serve faster than the tour average.