French Open star denies pushing ball girl after video goes viral: ‘I could never’

30 May 2026 • 6:04 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

French Open star denies pushing ball girl after video goes viral: ‘I could never’

  • 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.

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