SANTIAGO DE CHILE/STARNBERG, September 20, 2026
Rafael Jodar and Daniel Merida enjoyed dream Davis Cup debuts on Saturday, securing two victories that put the Spanish team just one point away from qualifying for November’s Davis Cup Finals in Bologna, Italy.
Spain lead Chile 2-0 after the opening day of their tie, played in front of more than 5,700 passionate spectators at the Court Central Anita Lizana at Santiago’s Parque Estadio Nacional.
“We are very happy with the way we finished the first day in Chile. We knew it was going to be a very tough tie, and it still is because we haven’t finished yet. Now we have to analyse what we can improve for tomorrow and try to close out the tie in the best possible way,” Jodar said after the opening day.
Jodar dominates Garin
Just two days after celebrating his 20th birthday, Madrid-born Jodar, ranked No. 14 in the world, produced an outstanding performance against home favourite Cristian Garin, the 30-year-old world No. 133 and former No. 17.
Jodar needed just one hour to defeat Garin 6-0, 6-2 and give Spain the perfect start.
Un match point para no olvidar 🌟
Rafael Jódar debuta con victoria con España#CopaDavis #DavisCup l #VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/rgd5NQMaDb
— Tenis España (@RFETenis) September 19, 2026
“Since I was a kid, I used to watch all the Davis Cup ties on television and dreamed of one day playing for Spain. Today was that day. It was a very good debut. I felt very comfortable and had very good sensations on court, so I’m very happy,” Jodar said.
Merida completes Spanish double
The first singles rubber proved considerably more demanding, with fellow Madrid native Daniel Merida, ranked No. 41, facing Chile’s No. 1 player Alejandro Tabilo, the world No. 28.
Despite the intense home support, Merida recovered from losing the opening set to complete a 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 victory and give Spain the lead.
Cuánto echábamos de menos este momento
CÁNTICO PARA DANI. VAMOS ESPAÑA 🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸#CopaDavis #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/bMLsJyxyPg
— Tenis España (@RFETenis) September 19, 2026
“It’s a dream to make my debut for the Spanish team, which has had so many great legends, and to win a point for my team is something I’ve always dreamed of. I’m very happy with the way I played and with how I managed to turn the match around, even though the crowd was putting a lot of pressure on me,” Merida said.
Spain one point away from Bologna
With rain forecast for the second day, Spain will look to secure the one point they need to book their place among the eight nations heading to Bologna for the Davis Cup Finals in November.
The second day is scheduled to begin with the doubles at 5 p.m. Spanish time (1 p.m. local time), with Jaume Munar and Pedro Martinez facing Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo and Tomas Barrios.
If required, Jodar and Merida will have another opportunity to seal the tie for Spain in the remaining singles matches.
Así terminamos la jornada en Santiago de Chile 😉#CopaDavis #DavisCup I #VamosEspaña pic.twitter.com/vIwzIs1G5e
— Tenis España (@RFETenis) September 19, 2026
