Spanish tennis star Rafael Jódar has denied allegations of shoving a ball girl during his third-round match at the French Open.
The 19-year-old refuted claims after a viral video showed him walking along the sideline, with a ball girl briefly stumbling in front of him.
Jodar maintained that no contact occurred, saying the gesture was not directed at the ball girl but rather at his father in the stands, as he was signaling for items to be passed down.
He emphasized his respect for the ball kids working throughout the tournament and stated he would never intentionally put a ball kid in such a situation.
Jodar's victory over American Alex Michelsen marked one of the biggest wins of his career, securing his first-ever place in the fourth round of a Grand Slam.
He will next face fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreño Busta in an all-Spanish showdown with a quarterfinal berth on the line.
