Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner warned they have a ‘real threat’ coming for them on the ATP Tour

And despite coming out second best against the American, the Spaniard has been backed to become a real problem for leading ATP superstars Alcaraz and Sinner in the very near future.

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Rafael Jodar tipped to threaten Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

After his superb run to the Washington Open final, Jodar has just risen nine places to his career-high rank of 15th.

And his sensational career rankings rise has now been analyzed by former player Rennae Stubbs, who said on her podcast: “Jodar is now ranked 15 in the world and this time last year I believe he was probably around 500.

“He was playing college tennis not far away from Washington in the University of Virginia. For him to be 15 in the world right now, let me tell you, I have watched him play a lot. But I have not watched him courtside the way I did in this last week.

“I have to say, he is a real threat to the top two players in the world in Alcaraz and Sinner. I do believe he has the game eventually. I think it’s going to be a year or two.

“I think his improvement in the last 12 months is outstanding and if you were listening to Taylor Fritz talk after the match at the trophy presentation he said basically that I am glad I got this now while you are still young.

“That’s because some of the mistakes and things that didn’t really go his way in the final were, for me, just a little bit of a lack of experience in those matches.

“Fritz has won many, many tournaments including a Masters 1000 and Indian Wells over the old Rafa, Rafael Nadal, and you could see that experience come to the fore in the final, particularly on some big points.”

READ MORE: Taylor Fritz’s new ATP ranking confirmed after he beats Rafael Jodar in the Washington Open final

Rafael Jodar congratulates Taylor Fritz on Washington Open title

Jodar certainly threatened home favorite Fritz in Washington, but the American ultimately prevailed 7-6(7-2), 6-4.

That defeat arrived after a very impressive run from the 19-year-old, who beat Arthur Fils, Kei Nishikori, Lorenzo Musetti and Alejandro Tabilo.

The teenager can be extremely proud of his efforts at the ATP 500 tournament, which he has now summarized on social media.

Jodar posted on his Instagram: “First time finalist at the [Washington Open].

“I will come stronger next year.

“Thank you Washington for a great week!

“Congrats [Taylor Fritz] for the title.”

It’s a nice touch from the Spaniard, who has very little time to ponder his run given that he now competes at the Canadian Open.

He is the 20th seed at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, and meets Corentin Moutet in round two following a first round bye.