Nadal, Alcaraz and now Jodar: how Spain’s school of ‘suffering’ forges the stars of men’s tennis

Rafael Jodar, just 19, is among the 32 seeded players at this year’s French Open, which begins Sunday. Photograph: Riccardo Antimiani/EPA

Spain is at it again.

A year ago Rafael Jodar, the teenage sensation from Madrid, was ranked around No 700 in the world and completing his freshman year at the University of Virginia. After winning several ATP Challenger titles (the level below regular ATP tournaments) the Spaniard decided to turn pro and forgo his final three years of college eligibility. Jodar won his first main-level ATP match at this year’s Australian Open. And now, stunningly, after a meteoric and nearly unprecedented rise up the rankings, the 19-year-old will be among the 32 seeds when the French Open commences Sunday.