Rafael Jodar has denied making contact with a ball girl after an incident during his French Open victory over Alex Michelsen sparked discussion on social media.
The rising Spanish star was involved in an awkward moment as he left the court between sets during his dramatic third-round triumph at Roland Garros.
Footage initially appeared to suggest that Jodar had brushed past a ball girl after tossing a water bottle towards his coaching team.
On closer inspection, however, it seems to be merely a trick of the eye.
The ball girl stumbled backwards before regaining her balance, while Jodar continued walking towards the exit tunnel.
The incident quickly attracted attention online, prompting questions for the 19-year-old after the match.
Jodar was adamant no physical contact took place and insisted the ball girl lost her footing while attempting to move out of the way.
"I didn't touch her. No, no, no. I could never do that," Jodar said.
Rafael Jodar has denied making contact with a ball girl after an incident during his French Open victory over Alex Michelsen sparked discussion on social media
|X/TNTSPORTS
🚨 The below video is misleading.....Here's what happened in another angle...
— SK (@Djoko_UTD) May 29, 2026
Rafael Jódar didn't push the ball girl. The girl trips on the covers all by herself.pic.twitter.com/rbQ51m3t9I https://t.co/D7TYgkykTc
"She was walking backwards, and I didn't push her or anything.
"I was telling my dad to give me the things that he was going to give me after a toilet break when I was coming back.
"But she was in the middle, so I think she was trying to get out of the way.
"She was going backwards, but I think she fell, but not because I pushed her, because the court cover was right behind her.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
French Open winners since 2000 | GETTY/GB NEWS"So when she was walking backwards, she fell with that."
Jodar also stressed his appreciation for the work carried out by ball boys and ball girls throughout the tournament.
"Obviously, I appreciate all the work that the ball kids are doing," he added.
"I know it's difficult with the heat and the conditions to stay there, so I appreciate it. I could never push a ball kid."
The controversy did little to derail the Spaniard's progress on court.
Jodar battled through a gruelling five-set contest against Michelsen, eventually sealing a 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career.
The result continued a remarkable breakthrough season for one of the sport's fastest-rising talents.
Jodar, who was competing in college tennis in the United States this time last year, only turned professional at the beginning of the season but has quickly established himself as a player to watch.
Rafael Jodar remains on course for French Open glory
|GETTY
The victory improved Jodar's clay-court record for the season to 18 wins and three defeats, matching the total achieved by world No 1 Jannik Sinner before the Italian's shock exit from the tournament.
Asked about his tennis influences, Jodar pointed to two of Spain's biggest sporting icons.
"My role model in tennis when I was younger was Rafael Nadal," he said.
"Then in the last few years before I turned pro, I could say probably Carlos Alcaraz.
"Both from Spain, from the same country as me.
"So I think those were my two role models when I was growing up. But, as I said before, I try to follow my own path, and I try to develop as a player, with my own spirit."
Despite his impressive progress, Jodar believes there is still significant room for improvement.
"I think I'm an aggressive player who likes to dominate the points," Jodar explained. "But I think here on clay, you have to defend a little bit more. So I am trying to develop that game as well."