Barcelona
Rafael Jodar Shines in Barcelona with Quarter-Finals Victory
19-year-old talent becomes the third Spanish teenager to reach the Barcelona QFs this century
April 15, 2026
Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell | Trofeo Conde de Godó
Rafael Jodar rises to No. 47 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
By Jerome Coombe
Rafael Jodar continued his impressive winning streak, now at seven matches, at the prestigious Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on Wednesday. The #NextGenATP star captivated his home fans with a commanding performance.
Demonstrating his signature forehand prowess, Jodar rallied after a shaky start to secure a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Camilo Ugo Carabelli, booking his spot in the quarter-finals of this clay-court ATP 500 event. His rapid one-hour and 30-minute match showcased his growing confidence, improving his record to 2-0 against the Argentine following their earlier encounter that led Jodar to his first ATP Tour title in Marrakech just two weeks prior.
2005-06 ➡️ @RafaelNadal
2022-23 ➡️ @carlosalcaraz
2026 ➡️ Rafael Jodar@bcnopenbs | #BCNOpenBS pic.twitter.com/4HPQFDOKrl— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 15, 2026
“Competing at home brings a unique feeling,” Jodar reflected, comparing his two encounters with Ugo Carabelli. “The support from the crowd from the very first point meant a lot to me. I’m deeply grateful and working to manage my nerves as best as I can. Handling pressure during crucial moments can be challenging, but it’s essential.”
After a shaky beginning where he dropped serve in the first game, Jodar quickly found his rhythm, showcasing his agility and depth, leaving Ugo Carabelli struggling to respond. This victory marks Jodar as the third Spanish teenager this century to advance to the quarter-finals in Barcelona, alongside legends Rafael Nadal (2005, 2006) and Carlos Alcaraz (2022, 2023).
With his advancements in Catalunya, Jodar is now No. 47 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, setting his sights on becoming the second player born in 2006 or later to break into the Top 50, following Joao Fonseca. His next challenge awaits against either seventh seed Cameron Norrie or qualifier Ethan Quinn, as he strives for a place in the semi-finals.
Having been outside the Top 600 just a year ago, Jodar’s ascent has been remarkable. He made his debut at the Next Gen ATP Finals in 2025 and has achieved new personal bests this season, amassing 12 tour-level victories, which include his first title and a strong third-round performance at the ATP Masters 1000 in Miami.
Earlier on Wednesday, Hamad Medjedovic stunned third seed Alex de Minaur, marching into his seventh tour-level quarter-final and first at ATP 500 level. Medjedovic overcame a break down in the second set to clinch a 6-3, 6-4 victory, brilliantly saving eight out of nine break points he faced, according to Infosys ATP Stats.
The Serbian will face Nuno Borges next, who triumphed over reigning Rio de Janeiro champion Tomas Martin Etcheverry with a score of 6-3, 7-6(4). Despite late-match physical challenges, the Portuguese ace sealed the two-hour match with a clever underarm serve on his second match point in the tie-break.
