Rafael Jodar cheered on by Jude Bellingham as rising star shines at Madrid Open

Cheered on by Jude Bellingham, Rafael Jodar lived up to his billing as the new star of the Madrid Open.

The blow of losing Spain’s main man Carlos Alcaraz to a wrist injury on the eve of the tournament was tempered by the presence in the draw for the first time of Jodar, three years his compatriot’s junior and making big waves in men’s tennis.

For his debut at the tournament in his home city, the 19-year-old was centre stage on the cavernous Manolo Santana stadium and fought back from a set down to defeat Dutchman Jesper de Jong 2-6 7-5 6-4.

Rafa x Jude