The Next Gen Finals in Jeddah showcased some of the brightest young talents on the ATP Tour. Among the spectators was Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion who retired in 2024. Nadal, who won his first major in 2005, kept a close eye on two Spanish prospects, Rafael Jodar and Martin Landaluce, as they competed in the group stages.
Jodar and Landaluce’s campaigns
Rafael Jodar, ranked world number 168, is a former US Open junior champion and has already collected multiple ATP Challenger titles. He also trained with Carlos Alcaraz during Spain’s 2024 Davis Cup campaign. Despite winning two of his three group stage matches in Jeddah, Jodar was eliminated due to inferior set and game records compared to Learner Tien and Nicolai Budkov Kjaer.
Martin Landaluce, ranked world number 134, also a former US Open junior champion, struggled in Jeddah and lost all three of his group stage matches. Both players, however, gained valuable experience competing against the best of their generation.
Nadal’s supportive message
Nadal took to social media to encourage the two Spaniards after watching them play. “Really enjoyed spending some time with Martín Landaluce and Rafa Jodar in Jeddah and watching them play. Great to see two players competing in a tournament that brings together the best young talents on the ATP Tour. Wishing you both the best of luck for 2026!” Nadal wrote on X.
Jodar praises Nadal’s influence
Earlier this year, Jodar spoke about Nadal’s impact on Spanish sport and his inspiration to younger players. “It’s inspiring to look back and see all the things that he has done not just for tennis, but for Spanish sports in general,” Jodar said. “From my point of view, we consider Rafa Nadal as one of the best Spanish athletes of all time. And that’s insane, all the achievements that he has done, that’s impressive.”
While Jodar and Landaluce did not advance in Jeddah, Nadal’s words of encouragement highlight the importance of mentorship and support from legends of the game. Both players will now look to build on their experiences as they prepare for the 2026 season, carrying the pride of Spanish tennis into the future.
Rafael Jodar in 2025
Ranked world no.168, Jodar played his last match on the 19th of December when he overcame world no.134 Martin Landaluce 4-3(7) 4-1 4-3(2) in the round robin in the Next Gen ATP Finals (draw).
Presently, during this year Rafael achieved a 41-13 win-loss record. Rafael clinched 3 titles in 2025 in the Hersonissos 3 Challenger, the Lincoln Challenger and the Charlottesville Challenger.
Martin Landaluce in 2025
Currently ranked no.134, the Spaniard played his last match on the 19th of December when he lost to world no.168 Rafael Jodar 4-3(7) 4-1 4-3(2) in the round robin in the Next Gen ATP Finals (draw).
This year the Spaniard has achieved a composed 37-32 match record. This year, Martin won 1 tournament in the Orleans Challenger.
Rafael Jodar and Martin Landaluce squared off only once. Their actual record is 1-0 for Jodar.