19-year-old Rafael Jodar has been added to Team Europe’s Laver Cup roster.
Rafael Jodar is coming to the Laver Cup. The 19-year-old Spaniard, in the midst of a breakout season on tour, has been selected by Captain Yannick Noah to make his Laver Cup debut in London this September. The Laver Cup, preparing for its ninth edition, returns to The O2 in London from September 25-27, 2026.
Jodar joins a Team Europe lineup featuring World No.2 Alexander Zverev, World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz, World No.9 Flavio Cobolli and World No.19 Jakub Mensik. One spot currently remains open on Noah’s six-man team.
Ranked No.25 and carrying a 26-11 record this season, Jodar entered 2026 with just two tour-level victories to his name. He reached back-to-back quarterfinals in Madrid and Rome before advancing to his maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal at Roland Garros in his main-draw debut. At Wimbledon, he reached the third round. Jodar has made his debut at each of the first three Grand Slams this year, qualifying for the Australian Open and compiling a 7-3 record at the majors.
“Rafael has had an outstanding season and has earned this opportunity,” Noah said in a statement. “He’s one of the brightest young talents in our sport and has shown he belongs on the biggest stages. What I like most is the way he competes. He’ll bring energy, belief and a real hunger to Team Europe, and I’m excited to welcome him into the group.”
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Jodar was ranked outside the Top 500 at this time last year.
The former University of Virginia star won the 2024 US Open boys’ singles title.
“The Laver Cup is unlike anything else in tennis, and I can’t wait to be part of Team Europe,” said Jodar. “Growing up, you watch players like these and dream of one day sharing a team with them. To have that opportunity is incredibly special. I’ll do everything I can to contribute and help Team Europe bring the Cup back.”
Defending champions Team World have completed their six-man roster, with World No.5 Alex de Minaur, World No.6 Ben Shelton, World No.10 Taylor Fritz, World No.11 Alexander Bublik, World No.15 Learner Tien and World No.24 Tommy Paul all confirmed.
Team World has won three of the last four Laver Cup titles, while Team Europe captured the first four editions and five of the tournament’s first eight titles.
| Year | Winners | Score | Runners-up | Location | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Team Europe | 15–9 | Team World | Prague, Czech Republic | O2 Arena |
| 2018 | Team Europe | 13–8 | Team World | Chicago, United States | United Center |
| 2019 | Team Europe | 13–11 | Team World | Geneva, Switzerland | Palexpo |
| 2020 | — | — | — | — | No competition due to COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2021 | Team Europe | 14–1 | Team World | Boston, United States | TD Garden |
| 2022 | Team World | 13–8 | Team Europe | London, United Kingdom | The O2 Arena |
| 2023 | Team World | 13–2 | Team Europe | Vancouver, Canada | Rogers Arena |
| 2024 | Team Europe | 13–11 | Team World | Berlin, Germany | Uber Arena |
| 2025 | Team World | 15–9 | Team Europe | San Francisco, United States | Chase Center |
| 2026 | — | — | — | London, United Kingdom | The O2 Arena |
| 2027 | — | — | — | Los Angeles, United States | Intuit Dome |
Chris Oddo. Chris Oddo is a freelance sportswriter, podcaster, blogger and social media marker who is a lead contributor to Tennisnow.com. He also writes for USOpen.org, Rolandgarros.com, BNPParibasOpen.com, TennisTV.com, WTAtennis.com and the official US Open program.