Next Gen ATP Finals
Jodar eliminates friend Landaluce, Budkov Kjaer qualifies for Jeddah SFs
Spaniard needs any result tonight besides four-set win from Tien
December 19, 2025
Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Rafael Jodar in action on Friday at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.
By ATP Staff
Spaniard Rafael Jodar put aside his friendship with Martin Landaluce on Friday, when he eliminated his countryman with a 4-3(7), 4-1, 4-3(2) victory at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF. Norwegian Nicolai Budkov Kjaer secured his spot in the last four by winning a set against Learner Tien in the evening session, which is ongoing.
The 19-year-old Jodar needs any result other than a four-set win by Tien to advance. The American must win the next three sets, and triumph in four sets, to qualify otherwise Jodar will join the-now qualified Budkov Kjaer in the semi-finals.
“I’m very happy how I handled the important moments and the pressure moments in this match,” said Jodar. “Super happy to get the win here. I’ve been playing against him for a long time. We are very good friends. We are from the same tennis club, Club de Tenis Chamartin.”
You May Also Like: Landaluce & Jodar: From Madrid mates to Jeddah contenders
Blasting 31 winners across the match, Jodar held his nerve when it mattered most, including in the first set when he fended off four set points.
With his idol Rafael Nadal in attendance, Jodar again kept his cool in the fourth-set tie-break to avoid any late drama.
“Rafa has been my idol for a long time, since I was very young,” said the teenager. “I used to watch all of his matches. He was my role model in tennis. I’m super happy that he was here. It means a lot that he came to Saudi Arabia to watch this tournament.”
Jodar was also watertight behind his second serve, having won 92 per cent (12/13) of his second-serve points, according to the Infosys ATP Stats.
Tien needs to earn victory in three or four sets to advance, having gone 1-1 through his first two matches.