PARIS, May 31 – Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar mounted an extraordinary comeback Sunday, overcoming a two-set deficit to defeat veteran Pablo Carreno Busta 4-6 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 in an all-Spanish generational clash at the French Open, securing his first quarterfinal appearance at the tournament.
The 19-year-old clay court specialist, who only turned professional late last year, has emerged as a potential dark horse contender following unexpected departures of several top-seeded players, including world number one Jannick Sinner. This marks his second consecutive five-set victory after defeating Alex Michelsen in the prior round.
Jodar initially seized momentum with an early break for a 4-2 advantage, but his veteran opponent remained composed and captured four consecutive match points to claim the opening set as the young player’s performance suddenly faltered.
The teenager, who enjoyed a breakthrough clay court season with his first professional title in Marrakesh, semifinal appearances in Barcelona, and quarterfinal runs in Madrid and Rome, found himself in deeper trouble as the 34-year-old Carreno Busta secured two additional breaks for a commanding 4-0 lead in the second set.
Despite being ranked 707th just one year ago, Jodar showed signs of life by capturing three consecutive games, though he couldn’t prevent Carreno Busta from closing out the second set with a flawless serve-and-volley combination on his second set point opportunity.
The momentum shifted dramatically when Jodar secured an early break in the third set, utilizing more aggressive tactics and a powerful attacking forehand to claim the frame.
Carreno Busta required a medical timeout for right shoulder treatment, but the break didn’t halt his mounting unforced errors as Jodar captured two service breaks to force a decisive fifth set.
Though displaying some late-match jitters, the teenager sealed his remarkable victory on his fifth match point opportunity after three hours and 41 minutes of play.
His quarterfinal opponent will be determined by the outcome of the match between second seed Alexander Zverev and Dutchman Jesper De Jong.
