Rafael Jodar wins Marrakech, joins exclusive list of Spanish teenagers to capture ATP titles

A few months ago, Rafael Jodar had never even played a tour-level main draw. A week ago, he had never even been to an ATP quarterfinal.

Now, he’s already an ATP champion.

The 19-year-old Spaniard stormed to the first ATP title of his career in Marrakech, Morocco on Sunday, defeating Marco Trungelliti in straight sets in the final of the ATP 250 clay-court event, 6-3, 6-2.

He broke the Argentinian qualifier's serve four times, twice per set, and never lost serve himself—fighting off the only break point he faced all match—en route to a comprehensive 68-minute victory.

“It’s incredible. I have no words, honestly, to describe this feeling right now,” Jodar said afterwards in his on-court interview.

“I’m super happy that I could get the title here in Marrakech. First time for me in Marrakech, Morocco, I love the crowd, and everyone who came to support me and watch the final, so thank you very much.”

With his run to the title in Marrakech, Jodar becomes just the sixth Spanish teenager to capture an ATP title in the Open Era.

And just wait until you see the other names on the list.

SPANISH TEENAGERS TO WIN ATP TITLES IN OPEN ERA:

• Rafael Nadal [16 titles as a teenager]
• Carlos Alcaraz [9 titles as a teenager]
• Carlos Moya [2 titles as a teenager]
• Juan Carlos Ferrero [1 title as a teenager]
• Tommy Robredo [1 title as a teenager]
• Rafael Jodar [1 title as a teenager so far]

Four of the other five names on the list—Moya, Ferrero, Nadal and Alcaraz—wouldn’t just become Grand Slam champions, they would eventually become No. 1 in the world. And the only other name, Tommy Robredo, became a Masters 1000 champion and went as high as No. 5.

Jodar, who came into Marrakech at a career-high of No. 89, is projected to shatter that when the new ATP rankings come out on Monday, rising to either No. 57 or No. 58 depending on other results.

As for Trungelliti, the 36-year-old Argentine—who was also playing his first ATP final on Sunday—will become the oldest men’s player to break into the Top 100 in more than 50 years, as he’s projected to rise from No. 117 to No. 76 when the new ATP rankings are released tomorrow.