Rafael Jodar had been announced as a participant for two ATP events in the same week.
First, the Los Cabos Open confirmed Jodar’s participation, before the Washington Open shared that he had joined their line-up.
As the two tournaments take place on the week beginning July 27th, Jodar clearly can’t play both.
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Jodar has seemingly changed his mind about playing in Mexico, prompting the tournament organisers to release a statement.
Los Cabos Open confirm Rafael Jodar’s ‘last-minute’ schedule change
The Los Cabos Open posted the following statement on X.
“Rafael Jodar had confirmed his participation in the Mifel Tennis Open by Telcel-OPPO 2026; however, he decided to make last-minute changes to his calendar that would lead him to another commitment,” they said (translated from Spanish).
“We wish you much success in your upcoming tournaments, and we hope to welcome you very soon in Los Cabos.
“Meanwhile, we continue to prepare a very special edition to celebrate the 10 years of our tournament that already has everything to be unforgettable.
“Thank you for your support and enthusiasm.”
Jodar is one of the brightest young prospects in the men’s game and has been front and centre in the Los Cabos Open’s promotional materials.
But for whatever reason, Jodar has changed his mind and will now play the Washington Open.
The question is, why?
Well, the obvious answer is that the Washington Open is the bigger event.
Jodar could earn 500 ranking points by winning in Washington, compared to 250 in Los Cabos.
Live ATP Rankings
| Rank | Result | Points |
| 15 | Rafael Jodar (with Washington Open win) | 2,339 (+500) |
| 22 | Rafael Jodar (with Los Cabos Open win) | 2,089 (+250) |
| 26 | Rafael Jodar | 1,839 |
And, of course, the prize money is more lucrative in Washington.
- 2026 Washington Open total prize money – $2,469,450
- 2026 Los Cabos Open total prize money – $909,790
Therefore, it’s not hard to understand why Jodar made the schedule change.
However, that’s not to say he made the right call.
With more prize money and ranking points available, the quality of opposition increases.
Several big names, including Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, and Jack Draper, have already been confirmed as participants for this year’s Washington Open.
Jodar will fancy his chances of mixing it with the best, but it’s safe to say he would have stood a better chance of winning the title in a weaker field over in Los Cabos.
Furthermore, Jodar won’t want to make a habit of upsetting tournament directors and their fans.
The young Spaniard’s reputation took a hit, perhaps unfairly, at the French Open this year, when an unfortunate camera angle appeared to show Jodar pushing a ball kid as he exited the court.
As it turned out, Jodar didn’t touch the ball kid, although his attitude towards both his father and the volunteers at the event didn’t earn too much praise at Roland Garros.
Having now effectively cancelled on a tournament where he was one of the main attractions, Jodar must be careful to avoid making an unwanted name for himself.
The best way he can do that is by entertaining the fans on the court; something he has done brilliantly throughout his breakout 2026 campaign.
What’s next for Rafael Jodar?
Following his stellar clay-court season, fans were excited to see what was next for Jodar, but he has yet to play a match on grass.
Jodar withdrew from the Queen’s Club Championships and the Eastbourne Open due to an abdominal injury he picked up in training.
It’s unclear whether he will be fit in time for Wimbledon next week, although he has travelled to the All England Club for practice, which is encouraging.
If he does compete, he will do so as a seeded player at a Grand Slam for just the second time in his career.
Jodar is the 23rd seed at Wimbledon, and provided he doesn’t withdraw, will discover his first-round opponent when the draw is made on Friday, June 26.
