COLLEGE TENNIS

Rafael Jódar has quietly put together one of the most impressive seasons of any teenager in world tennis, balancing life as a college player at the University of Virginia with a level of success on the Challenger Tour that very few players his age ever reach. His 2025 campaign has not only propelled him to a career-high ranking of No. 166 in the world, but also earned him a place in the field for the Next Gen ATP Finals, placing him among the eight best U21 players on the pla

College tennis isn’t what it used to be. Once seen as a backup route for players who couldn’t make it on tour, it’s now attracting genuine Challenger-level talent — names like Rafael Jodar, Michael Zheng, and Gabriel Debru — who just a few years ago would’ve gone straight to the pros. The shift comes down to one thing: NIL money. For the first time, college players can earn through sponsorships, brand deals, and performance incentives while still maintaining NCAA eligibility.