‘Dream’ for Rafael Jodar as he joins Carlos Alcaraz in Team Europe for Laver Cup - 'Incredibly special'
Published 15/07/2026 at 19:43 GMT+1
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Rafael Jodar has been added to Yannick Noah’s Team Europe for this year’s Laver Cup in London, capping a remarkable rise for the Spanish teenager, who broke into the top 100 earlier this season before making his maiden Grand Slam quarter-final at Roland-Garros.
Rafael Jodar - Alexander Zverev - Roland-Garros highlights
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Jodar joins an illustrious line-up that includes Carlos Alcaraz, recent Wimbledon finalist Alexander Zverev, Flavio Cobolli, and Jakub Mensik.
That leaves one spot for Noah to fill ahead of this year’s event against Team World, led by Andre Agassi.
Jodar has had a remarkable season, winning his first title in Morocco, having started the year still playing on the challenger tour.
An impressive clay court season drew plenty of comparisons with compatriots Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, as Jodar reached the semi-finals in Barcelona, before making the quarter-finals of Madrid, Rome and Roland-Garros.
"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."
Team World won last year’s edition of the event in San Francisco 15-9, with Noah and Agassi also set to resume their rivalry as team captains.
Agassi has already selected his full line-up, with Learner Tien and Tommy Paul the last players announced.
They will join Ben Shelton, Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, and Alexander Bublik in London as Team World get set to defend their title.
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"Rafael has had an outstanding season, and has earned this opportunity," said Noah.
"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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Watch: Alcaraz wows everyone at Laver Cup with mind-boggling drop volley
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Jodar will certainly be mixing with most of the best players in the world, with seven-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz the main draw for Team Europe, assuming the Spanish star has recovered from the wrist injury that kept him out of Roland-Garros and Wimbledon.
Zverev took advantage of the Spaniard’s absence to win his maiden major at the French Open before making the final of Wimbledon, while Cobolli made his first major final in Paris.
Mensik is another exciting young talent, having won the biggest title of his career last year in Miami. He made his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at Roland-Garros, losing to eventual champion Zverev.
It remains to be seen who Noah will pick for the final Team Europe berth. Alcaraz, Mensik, Zverev and Cobolli are all returning, having played in the event last season.
Holger Rune and Casper Ruud both represented Team Europe last year. Ruud is currently competing, but Rune is not - he has been out injured since last October, with an Achilles injury that required surgery.
The Laver Cup takes place at London’s O2 Arena, between September 25-27.
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