Rafael Jodar impressed on his Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF in Jeddah last month, and the 19-year-old Spaniard has now announced his decision to turn pro ahead of the 2026 season.
Jodar posted on Instagram on Wednesday announcing he would bring his US college career to a close after representing the University of Virginia Hoosiers across 2024 and 2025. The 19-year-old Jodar went 2-1 in Jeddah in December, when he earned group-stage wins against top seed and eventual champion Learner Tien and Martin Landaluce.
“After a period of deep reflection, careful consideration and many conversations with my family and coaches, I have decided to forgo my remaining college eligibility at UVA and pursure my professional tennis career as of 2026,” wrote Jodar. “My time in college has played a huge role in my growth both as a player and as a person, and I now feel prepared to take this next step and embrace a new challenge in my life.”
Having also won three ATP Challenger titles in 2025, Jodar will begin life as a pro as the No. 168 in the PIF ATP Rankings. He reached his career high of No. 166 in early November, after lifting the third of his three Challenger crowns in Charlottesville.
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