Nineteen-year-old is fifth man this century to reach the last eight on main draw debut
Spanish rising star Rafael Jodar pulled off a courageous comeback to extend his debut campaign at Roland-Garros 2026 into the quarterfinals.
The teenage sensation erased compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta’s lead in a 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 triumph on Court Suzanne-Lenglen for his second five-set thriller in a row.
Jodar moves to an impressive 19-3 clay-court record in 2026 and will next face No.2 seed Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals.
"I'm trying to enjoy the moment, like I was talking to my friends and to my family before the match. It's a gift to play a fourth round in Roland-Garros. So my goal was to enjoy," said Jodar.
"Obviously you always want to win and to give your best tennis, and that's what I did. I think I did a great job accepting the things how it came to me today.
"Pablo was playing a great level of tennis in the first two sets, and I accept it. Then I had my chance, and I think I rise to my level in the next three sets. So very happy with how the week is going and the season, as well."
The Spanish prodigy began the 2026 campaign at world No.168, breaking into the top 100 in March, top 50 last month and top 30 in May, following back-to-back ATP Masters quarterfinals in Madrid and Rome.
What an opportunity for Jodar to measure his current trajectory against the world No.3 Zverev.
"He's a great player obviously. What he has done is amazing," stated the Madrid native. "I'll just try to give my best, try to recover well, because I have played a lot of matches. So I think this day off tomorrow will help me get ready for that match.
"And enjoy, because it's a quarterfinals, match against one of the best players in the world, so I'll try to enjoy the opportunity and take a lot of learning, and with the belief from today and from the other matches that, if I do the things well, I can take the win, as well."
Jodar’s rapid start, including a booming inside-in forehand winner on the very first point, showed why the 19-year-old is one of the most exciting prospects on tour.
However, from 1-4 down, four-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist Carreno Busta found a devastating purple patch. The former world No.10 reeled off nine consecutive games to wrestle the initiative from Jodar.
With Carreno Busta's point construction and shotmaking on the run, Jodar was constantly forced off balance and was swiftly two sets down.
Competing in just his sixth Grand Slam match, the young world No.29 had never had to escape from such a position. That changed on Sunday with quite the turnaround.
With a purposeful stride between points, Jodar was rock solid and managed to contain Carreno Busta’s play.
At 2-1 in the decider, the No.27 seed had the crowd on their feet. Sprinting forward to reach a Carreno Busta side-spinning drop shot, the teenager scooped an astonishing forehand pass from inches off the ground.
It was a telling move, a moment to savour for the latest Spaniard to dazzle on the terre battue.
Jodar's father – also named Rafael – doubles up as his coach and gave his son two thumbs up from the player’s box. Job done.
“He’s always been there for me ever since I was a kid," the teenager said. "I’m super grateful to have him and also other members of my family today.
“He’s been my biggest support since I was very young, I want to thank him for everything he has done.
"It's my first year on tour, so I'm just trying to enjoy the process. Everything is new for me. I'm going to learn a lot. I think this year will give me a lot of experience. Walking into these big courts, it feels very special."
ROLAND-GARROS
18 May - 7 June 2026
