Spanish prodigy Rafael Jodar is rapidly edging toward a historic achievement in men’s tennis, positioning himself to set a new benchmark for the quickest ascent into the ATP top‑10. The 19‑year‑old secured his place in the Canadian Open quarter‑finals by defeating Arthur Filis in a match that was briefly interrupted by rain, prevailing 7‑6 (7‑5), 6‑3. This victory is expected to lift Jodar to at least the 11th spot on the ATP leaderboard, a remarkable climb from his 165th ranking at the start of the season. Jodar’s next challenge will be a semi‑final clash with American youngster Brandon Nakashima on Wednesday night, a contest that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis.
A win would not only propel Jodar into the top ten but also shatter the existing record held by former world No. 1 Boris Becker, who took 210 days to move from the top‑100 to the top‑10. Jodar is on track to accomplish the same feat in just 140 days, should he continue his current form.
However, Jodar’s path to the final is not solely dependent on his own performance; he also needs the defending champion Ben Shelton to be eliminated in the other semi‑final. Shelton, a two‑time Grand Slam semi‑finalist, has been dominant throughout the tournament, dispatching Jakub Mensík in straight sets 6‑3, 6‑1 in just 72 minutes and has yet to lose a set.
If Shelton falls to Learner Tien, Jodar would face him in Thursday’s championship match, and a victory would cement his place among the elite ten for the first time in his career. Reflecting on his quarter‑final win, Jodar said, “I played at a very high level against a tough opponent like Arthur. I had to give everything I had, especially in the crucial moments, and I managed to stay composed when the pressure was at its highest.” His composure under pressure was evident as he navigated the tight first set tiebreak and then asserted control in the second set to close out the match.
In parallel news from the women’s draw, Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina mounted a spirited comeback after dropping the opening set to 11th seed Naomi Osaka. Rybakina rallied to win 4‑6, 7‑6 (7‑5), 6‑4, securing her spot in the semi‑finals of the WTA Canadian Open in Toronto. Osaka had started strongly, breaking Jody’s serve in the first game and maintaining that advantage to take the opening set. The second set saw both players exchange breaks twice before Rybakina edged the set in a tense tiebreak.
In the decisive third set, Rybakina seized a pivotal break in the seventh game and never looked back, delivering what many observers called the match of the tournament. Rybakina, who is vying to overtake Aryna Sabalenka for the world No. 1 ranking later this month, expressed her satisfaction after the win: “I’m super happy.
It was a very difficult match. I made a few mistakes in the first set and had a poor start, but I managed to turn things around. I’m not exactly sure how, but I think my serve helped me a little.” Her next opponent will be American star Coco Gauff, who advanced to the semi‑finals after receiving a walk‑over when Belinda Bencic withdrew because of a hip injury.
The other semi‑final features Iga Swiatek taking on Elina Svitolina, with both players looking to secure a place in Thursday’s final. The Canadian Open continues to deliver high‑stakes drama on both the ATP and WTA tours.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports from August 30 onward, or stream the matches via NOW and the Sky Sports app. For those who prefer a contract‑free viewing experience, the NOW platform offers an alternative way to watch the tournament without a long‑term commitment. Overall, the tournament showcases a blend of emerging talent and established champions.
Jodar’s meteoric rise underscores the depth of the next generation of male players, while Rybakina’s resilience highlights the competitive spirit that defines the women’s circuit. As the semi‑finals approach, the stakes are higher than ever, and tennis enthusiasts worldwide are poised to witness potential record‑breaking moments and unforgettable performances on the hard courts of Toronto.