MELBOURNE, Australia – Former Virginia men’s tennis player Rafael Jódar has advanced through qualifying to earn a spot in the men’s singles main draw of the Australian Open. The Grand Slam tournament runs from January 18 to February 1 at Melbourne Park.
Jódar will make his Grand Slam debut on either Sunday or Monday (Jan. 18-19), facing fellow qualifier Rei Sakamoto of Japan. Jódar is ranked No. 150 in the world. Sakamoto is No. 202.
Jódar, competing in a Grand Slam qualifier for the first time in his career, won three matches to advance into the singles main draw. He opened with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 win against Australia wildcard Li Tu. Jódar faced UVA alum Chris Rodesch in the second round, logging a 7-6 (10), 6-3…