Spain Names Davis Cup Squad Led by Rafa Jódar to Face Chile

The upcoming Davis Cup showdown between Chile and Spain is taking shape on both sides of the net. While the home team prepares to host the European powerhouse at the Parque Estadio Nacional in Santiago during the Fiestas Patrias celebrations, the visiting delegation has officially locked in its traveling roster for the September 19 and 20 fixtures.

Rafa Jódar and Daniel Mérida Spearhead Spain’s Roster in Santiago

Captain David Ferrer has opted for a younger lineup for the crucial series, which serves as a qualifier for the Final 8 in Bolonia, Italy. The Spanish squad arrives missing multiple high-profile names, including Carlos Alcaraz due to a wrist injury, and Alejandro Davidovich due to back problems. The tie will determine a direct ticket to the final phase for the Ensaladera de Plata.

Stepping into the leadership role is 19-year-old Rafa Jódar, currently ranked 11th in the ATP rankings. Jódar will make his official Davis Cup debut as Spain’s number one player, having previously participated as a sparring partner for the Spanish team. Captain David Ferrer noted that he is playing at a tremendous level, beating the best players in the world and with options to finish in the top 10, adding that he thinks it is something very good for Spanish tennis.

Rafa Jódar stated that it is a tremendous thrill to be able to represent the Spanish national team for the first time, recalling that he had the opportunity to do so as a sparring partner two years ago and it was an incredible experience, and expressing that he does not want to imagine what it will be like to do so as a player.

Ferrer also called upon Daniel Mérida (40°), who will similarly experience one of his first opportunities with the Spanish team. Daniel Mérida acknowledged that playing the Davis Cup is a dream for him, noting that he has watched it so many times as a child and being able to be there with the team is something incredible.

The Complete Spanish Lineup and Tactical Outlook

Beyond Jódar and Mérida, the Spanish delegation features Martín Landaluce (67°), Jaume Munar (46°), and Pedro Martínez (148°). Landaluce, 20 years old, already saw action last season against Switzerland. Munar and Martínez are expected to serve as the main alternative to form the doubles pair, re-editing the formula employed in previous series.

Despite missing Carlos Alcaraz—who has not played since May—Ferrer anticipated a demanding series in Santiago. The Spanish captain previously commented on the host nation’s lineup:

David Ferrer noted that Chile has a very good player like Tabilo, who is already top 40 and getting very good results, while adding that Garin, although he has not competed at his level this year, is always dangerous, just like Jarry or Barrios.

Chilean Squad Adjustments and Tournament Context

The local team earned its spot to dispute the duel for the final phase of the Davis Cup after surpassing Serbia 4-0 as the local team in the first round. Spain, by contrast, was free in that phase and will begin its participation directly against Nicolás Massú’s squad.

Massú’s roster announcements bring both seasoned leadership and notable absences. The list is headed by Alejandro Tabilo (29°), alongside Christian Garin (137°), Tomás Barrios (147°), and Matías Soto (262°). However, the team’s main absence is Nicolás Jarry (768°), who has spent months without playing due to an elbow injury.

To round out the squad in Jarry’s absence, Chile added 17-year-old Benjamín Pérez (1760°) to the delegation. Pérez will incorporate into a nomination for a series of this level for the first time, having previously appeared as a sparring partner in the national delegation at the end of 2025.