Rafa Jódar has withdrawn from the Eastbourne International due to an abdominal injury, according to the ATP Tour. The Spanish 22-year-old, a rising star in men’s tennis, will also miss the Queen’s Club Championships, marking a setback in his bid to regain form after a prolonged absence from competition.
What Happened and Why It Matters
The ATP Tour confirmed Jódar’s withdrawal on Friday, citing a “persistent abdominal strain” that has limited his training and match readiness. The decision comes after the player’s medical team advised against participation to avoid further complications. Jódar, who reached a career-high ATP ranking of No. 47 in 2023, had been expected to compete in Eastbourne as part of his preparation for the grass-court season, which includes Wimbledon later this month.
His absence raises questions about his availability for the French Open, where he was seeded 28th before withdrawing in April due to a wrist injury. The Spanish tennis federation has not yet commented on the latest injury, but Jódar’s agent emphasized that the player is “focusing on rehabilitation under the guidance of his medical team.”
Context: Jódar’s Rise and Previous Struggles
Jódar burst onto the ATP scene in 2023 with a surprise run to the Barcelona Open final, earning his first ATP title in 2024 at the ATP 250 in Mallorca. His aggressive baseline play and strong serve made him a favorite for a breakthrough season. However, recurring injuries have disrupted his progress, including a knee issue in 2022 and a shoulder problem in 2023.
The Spanish tennis association noted that Jódar’s latest injury is “not career-threatening” but requires “a prolonged period of rest and targeted physiotherapy.” His withdrawal from Eastbourne and Queen’s—two key events on the grass-court circuit—could impact his chances of securing a Wimbledon wildcard, as the ATP uses tournament performances to determine seeding for major events.
What’s Next for Jódar?
The ATP Tour has not yet provided a timeline for Jódar’s return, but sources close to the player suggest he could miss up to six weeks of competition. His next scheduled event is the Madrid Open in May, though it remains unclear if he will participate. The Spanish Tennis Federation has not confirmed whether he will be added to the Spanish Davis Cup team for the upcoming fixtures.
Jódar’s absence also affects the Eastbourne draw, which had included him as a second-round alternate. The tournament organizers have not yet announced a replacement, but the ATP’s ranking system will likely determine the next player to enter the bracket.
How This Fits Into His Career Narrative
Jódar’s injury timeline mirrors that of other young players who have struggled with consistency, such as Italy’s Jannik Sinner and Germany’s Alexander Zverev. Like them, Jódar’s potential has been hampered by injuries, raising concerns about his ability to maintain a sustained top-20 ranking. However, his 2024 performances—winning two ATP titles and reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open—demonstrate his capacity to compete at a high level when healthy.
According to ATP injury reports, Jódar has missed 14 matches since 2022 due to musculoskeletal issues. His current injury, however, is the first involving the abdominal region, which could require a different rehabilitation approach compared to his previous joint-related problems.
Impact on the Grass-Court Season
The Eastbourne International, played on grass courts, is a key preparatory event for Wimbledon. Jódar’s absence weakens the Spanish contingent in the tournament, which already lost top seed Carlos Alcaraz to a wrist injury. The event’s defending champion, Holger Rune, is set to face unseeded players in the early rounds, with the absence of Jódar and Alcaraz creating opportunities for lower-ranked athletes.
For the Queen’s Club Championships, Jódar’s withdrawal means the tournament will lack one of its most promising young talents. The event, which features a mix of ATP 250
Related reading
