Jódar reveals how Alcaraz has helped him in his first year at the Laver Cup

Rafael Jódar has made an impeccable debut in the Laver Cup with an impressive victory over Alexander Bublik, who could barely win five games against the Spanish player's display of tennis. After becoming the second youngest tennis player to win in this competition, the Madrid-born player attended a press conference and revealed how much Carlos Alcaraz has helped him adapt to the tournament.

By sharing nationality, Carlos has been the link between Jódar and the rest of the team, although the Madrid native came from playing the Davis Cup last weekend and spent 2025 in college tennis. Therefore, it was not a new situation for him. However, Jódar emphasized the importance of having someone like Alcaraz by his side to make everything easier and allow him to showcase his best level, which he did against Bublik with a perfect performance.

Jódar reveals how he adapted to the Laver Cup

In the end, they are people who know the circuit very well and understand this competition specifically. They try to help before the match; I think we had a great warm-up. Each player is there to help me; all five really wanted or could warm up with me before the match. I think that says a lot about this team. We have a great relationship among us; we get along very well and have been practically at every tournament together. That chemistry helps create a good atmosphere in the team.

Federer present at the match 

Roger Federer is a tennis icon. Clearly a legend of our sport. I'm very happy that he organized this entire event and that the Laver Cup started when he was still active as a player. He is a great player who has given a lot to tennis. I also want to give special mention to Rod Laver, from whom this competition takes its name. I think he has also been at a match that means a lot to me. That people like them appreciate all kinds of competitions like this is very special and beautiful for the sport.

Alcaraz's influence on his adaptation

Carlos is a great person, a great player. He has helped me a lot since I arrived here in London. He has already been here twice, if I'm not mistaken, for this competition. So he knows more than I do how it works. And that we are Spaniards, I believe helps. The language always helps. I am very grateful to be sharing this week with him; we are going to try to win this competition both points. 

Triumphant debut against Bublik

I knew it was going to be a very tough match. It's always hard to play the first matches of a tournament, but I think I managed the important and complicated moments of the match very well. I faced a very tough opponent who, in my opinion, also played great tennis, but I believe that today I played better in the decisive points.

Adaptation to the court

The first four or five games really helped me adapt to the court. I had already practiced on these courts for a few days, but I think playing practice sets and matches is something entirely different. Those four games—which lasted about 30 minutes for both—really helped me get used to the court, find more rhythm, and achieve the service break to then serve for the first set. And then, in the second set, I played very solidly and with clear ideas.

Jódar talks about his experience playing in team competitions

These kinds of events are different from what we are used to on the circuit. We travel a lot alone. You know, we don't play many team tournaments. So when we have the opportunity—like in the Davis Cup or the Laver Cup—these events make us appreciate this sport. Last year really helped me to be in an environment where I could share many things with the players and coaches, who are always there to help. That's why I'm very grateful to have spent a year in college to get used to these kinds of environments and have people who are always there for me.

Teammates' celebrations from the bench

It's great to have so many good players on the bench. I think they help me in everything they can; or even when I'm the one on the bench, I try to help them. We have two great captains, Tim and Yannick, who always give us advice and tell us what to do because they know this competition very well and understand how to play and compete against the other players. So it seems fantastic to have this kind of people on the bench and see that they also enjoy what you do.

Goals for 2027

Well, my main goal is to improve, to progress. This is my first year on the circuit, so I still have many things to refine. I can be a better player; I have always been someone who has pushed myself to the maximum and worked hard to get to where I am now. I think it is a good situation, but at the same time I want more. I am aware that I can improve in the future and that I can compete against the best players on the circuit. So yes, my goal is to keep improving, keep enjoying the game, and take advantage of opportunities like this: a team event like the Laver Cup here in London.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Jódar desvela cómo le ha ayudado Alcaraz en su primer año en la Laver Cup