French Open star denies pushing ball girl after video goes viral: ‘I could never’
Rafael Jodar celebrates a point against Alex Michelsen of the United States during their Men’s Singles third-round match (Getty)
Spanish tennis player Rafael Jodar faced scrutiny after viral footage showed a ball girl losing balance near him during his French Open third-round match.
Jodar vehemently denied pushing the ball girl, saying that he did not make contact and was gesturing to his father for items after a toilet break.
While tennis legend Martina Navratilova questioned the incident and said it was “not OK”, former players Chris Eubanks and Rennae Stubbs suggested the ball girl tripped on a court tarp.
Jodar attributed the ball girl’s stumble to the court cover and said he appreciates “all the work that the ball kids are doing”, adding: “I could never, you know, push a ball kid.”
Despite the controversy, Jodar secured a five-set victory, advancing to the French Open fourth round for the first time in his career.
