Key Takeaways
- Rafael Jodar overcame Thiago Agustin Tirante 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in Shanghai to set up a third-round match against Jiri Lehecka.
- The 20-year-old world No. 13 sidestepped questions about potentially adding Juan Carlos Ferrero to his team, which is led by his father.
- Jodar plans to finish his remaining tournaments in Basel, Paris, and potentially the Davis Cup before evaluating plans for the 2027 season.
Focus on current matches amid future staff questions
Spanish prospect Rafael Jodar has declined to confirm or deny whether he will work with former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero. The 20-year-old addressed the subject following his opening match at the Shanghai Masters, explaining that any decisions regarding his camp will wait until his 2026 playing calendar concludes.
Jodar, currently ranked 13th in the world, rallied from an opening set deficit to defeat Thiago Agustin Tirante 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in two hours and two minutes. The result rebounded from a first-round exit against Daniel Vallejo in Tokyo and placed him into a third-round encounter with Jiri Lehecka.
Ferrero tour return prompts paddock speculation
Discussion around Jodar’s technical team has surfaced while Ferrero prepares for an expected return to the ATP Tour in 2027. Following the December 2025 conclusion of his tenure with Carlos Alcaraz, Ferrero expressed interest in guiding another premier talent. The coach recently remarked that “I can’t say with whom” he might partner, though he confirmed his plan to resume touring.
Jodar is guided by his father, Rafael Jodar, and has not announced any adjustments to his structure. While unconfirmed reports have noted possible coaching vacancies among top players, Jodar sidestepped queries regarding ongoing talks with Ferrero.
Jodar indicated that his mind remains locked on competition, explaining that his post-season break will provide roughly a month to assess the future. He noted that he must manage a demanding schedule before considering any staffing changes for 2027.
Remaining schedule and upcoming commitments
Following his match with Lehecka, Jodar plans to compete at the Swiss Indoors Basel and the Paris Masters. The young Spaniard also holds aspirations of playing for his country at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna. Additionally, strong results over the final weeks could keep him in contention for a place at the ATP Finals in Turin.
ATP Shanghai - Rafael Jodar's projected path
Jodar in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2026
Ranked no.13, Rafael has managed to achieve a 52-17 record in 2026. Rafael is currently playing in Shanghai where he managed to beat the world no.54 Thiago Agustin Tirante 4-6 6-2 6-3.
Rafael Jodar will compete against the world no.12 Taylor Fritz in the Round Robin on Unknown at 7:30 pm on Court 1. Their actual head to head record is 2-0 for Fritz.
Jodar clinched 1 title in 2026 in Marrakech.
