19-year-old Rafael Jodar has been added to Group Europe’s Laver Cup roster.
Rafael Jodar is coming to the Laver Cup. The 19-year-old Spaniard, within the midst of a breakout season on tour, has been chosen by Captain Yannick Noah to make his Laver Cup debut in London this September. The Laver Cup, making ready for its ninth version, returns to The O2 in London from September 25-27, 2026.
Jodar joins a Group Europe lineup that includes World No.2 Alexander Zverev, World No.3 Carlos Alcaraz, World No.9 Flavio Cobolli and World No.19 Jakub Mensik. One spot at present stays open on Noah’s six-man group.
Ranked No.25 and carrying a 26-11 file this season, Jodar entered 2026 with simply two tour-level victories to his title. He reached back-to-back quarterfinals in Madrid and Rome earlier than advancing to his maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal at Roland Garros in his main-draw debut. At Wimbledon, he reached the third spherical. Jodar has made his debut at every of the primary three Grand Slams this yr, qualifying for the Australian Open and compiling a 7-3 file on the majors.
“Rafael has had an impressive season and has earned this chance,” Noah stated in a press release. “He’s one of many brightest younger skills in our sport and has proven he belongs on the largest phases. What I like most is the best way he competes. He’ll carry vitality, perception and an actual starvation to Group Europe, and I’m excited to welcome him into the group.”
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Jodar was ranked outdoors the High 500 right now final yr.
The previous College of Virginia star gained the 2024 US Open boys’ singles title.
“The Laver Cup is in contrast to the rest in tennis, and I can’t wait to be a part of Group Europe,” stated Jodar. “Rising up, you watch gamers like these and dream of at some point sharing a group with them. To have that chance is extremely particular. I’ll do every thing I can to contribute and assist Group Europe carry the Cup again.”
Defending champions Group World have accomplished 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.
Group World has gained three of the final 4 Laver Cup titles, whereas Group Europe captured the primary 4 editions and 5 of the event’s first eight titles.
| Yr | Winners | Rating | Runners-up | Location | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Group Europe | 15–9 | Group World | Prague, Czech Republic | O2 Enviornment |
| 2018 | Group Europe | 13–8 | Group World | Chicago, United States | United Middle |
| 2019 | Group Europe | 13–11 | Group World | Geneva, Switzerland | Palexpo |
| 2020 | — | — | — | — | No competitors as a result of COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2021 | Group Europe | 14–1 | Group World | Boston, United States | TD Backyard |
| 2022 | Group World | 13–8 | Group Europe | London, United Kingdom | The O2 Enviornment |
| 2023 | Group World | 13–2 | Group Europe | Vancouver, Canada | Rogers Enviornment |
| 2024 | Group Europe | 13–11 | Group World | Berlin, Germany | Uber Enviornment |
| 2025 | Group World | 15–9 | Group Europe | San Francisco, United States | Chase Middle |
| 2026 | — | — | — | London, United Kingdom | The O2 Enviornment |
| 2027 | — | — | — | Los Angeles, United States | Intuit Dome |
Chris Oddo. Chris Oddo is a contract sportswriter, podcaster, blogger and social media marker who’s a lead contributor to Tennisnow.com. He additionally writes for USOpen.org, Rolandgarros.com, BNPParibasOpen.com, TennisTV.com, WTAtennis.com and the official US Open program.
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