Laver Cup Media Release, July 15, 2026
Team Europe Captain Yannick Noah has named rising Spaniard Rafael Jodar to his team for Laver Cup London 2026. The 19-year-old will make his Laver Cup debut when the event returns to The O2 in London from September 25-27, 2026.
Jodar joins a formidable 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, with one place remaining on Noah’s six-man team.
“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.”
Jodar has enjoyed one of the fastest rises on the ATP Tour over the past 12 months, climbing from outside the world’s top 600 to a career-high ranking of World No.23. The Spaniard captured his maiden ATP Tour title in Morocco, before enjoying an impressive clay-court campaign, reaching the semifinals in Barcelona and quarterfinals in Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros.
Away from clay, Jodar qualified for his first Australian Open earlier this year and reached the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 in Miami, underlining his ability across all surfaces.
Jodar first came to international prominence by winning the 2024 US Open boys’ singles title, before continuing his development at the University of Virginia in the United States.
The teenager said the opportunity to represent Team Europe alongside many of the players he has admired throughout his career was one he would never forget.
“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.”
With one place remaining on Team Europe, attention now turns to Noah’s final selection. 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.
The 2026 edition marks the Laver Cup’s return to London and The O2, the venue for one of the most iconic moments in tennis history when Roger Federer played the final competitive match of his career alongside his great rival Rafael Nadal and fellow “Big Four” members Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in 2022.
With Team World having claimed three of the last four Laver Cup titles, the rivalry between Europe and the World is set to be as intense as ever, with another fiercely contested showdown anticipated in London.
Fans can expect world-class matchups, never-before-seen doubles pairings, and the unique spectacle of rivals becoming teammates on the Laver Cup’s signature black court.
