Credit: Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Rafael Jodar shut down claims that he shoved a ball girl after his match at the French Open on May 29
- A camera angle makes it seem like the Spanish player made contact with a ball kid, who stumbles at the same time the athlete’s hand swings upwards in her direction
- Jodar was asked about the situation in a post-match press conference, where he explained the situation and alleged he didn’t push her
Rafael Jodar is speaking out after sparking controversy involving a ball girl at the 2026 French Open.
The Spanish tennis star, 19, is being accused of shoving a ball kid at the Roland-Garros tournament as he exited the court after he had just won a five-set match over American Alex Michelsen on Friday, May 29, based on footage that’s since amassed over eight million views on — sign up now!
Since then, Jodar has forged ahead in pursuit of securing the French Open title, reaching his first major quarterfinal on Sunday, May 31.
Next, world No. 29 Jodar will take on third-ranked Alexander Zverev on Tuesday, June 2.
Read the original article on People