The ATP Finals in Turin are set to begin this Sunday with a field that includes four debutants.
Frances Tiafoe, Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils and Rafael Jodar are all appearing in the year-end tournament for the first time, as noted by “The Tennis Gazette”.
The group joins established stars Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and Ben Shelton.
Jodar, who began the 2026 season ranked 165th globally, has emerged as one of the most surprising performers this year.
The 20-year-old Spaniard captured his first ATP title in Marrakech and reached several major quarterfinals, according to “Yahoo Sports”.
His rapid ascent has drawn significant attention from three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray.
When asked on his channel, “The Set”, to identify the most surprising player of the season, Murray singled out the young athlete.
“Jodar,” Murray said, explaining his choice to the audience.
“I really like watching him,” Murray continued regarding the player’s development.
“It’s incredible his rise through the rankings, like where he’s at now compared to where he was 18 months ago,” the former champion noted.
Murray acknowledged that while Ben Shelton also had a successful campaign, he ultimately favored Jodar because of his trajectory.
“I’d have to go with Jodar just because of where he’s come from,” Murray stated.
Jodar enters the tournament ranked 11th in the world following a debut season that saw him reach the semifinals of the Canadian Open and the final of the Shanghai Masters.
His first match in Turin presents a difficult challenge against Alexander Zverev.
Jodar is also grouped with Fils and Shelton for the event.
The Spaniard has previously faced Fils three times, winning two of their hard-court meetings, while he has never played a tour-level match against Shelton.
Jodar is now widely considered one of the top players on the tour after establishing his presence at the highest level of the game.