‘Doesn’t Make Sense’ – Rafael Jódar Snaps at Reporter Over ‘Excuses’ Question on Past Controversy After US Open Loss
Rafael Jódar’s surprisingly early exit at the 2026 US Open was capped off by a tense exchange with a reporter during his press conference. The Spaniard bristled at the reference to a past controversy and firmly dismissed the line of questioning.
Rafael Jódar, a young Spanish tennis player, was in a heated exchange with a reporter at a press conference following his unexpected loss in the first round of the 2026 US Open. Jódar, who has been having a successful season, climbed from outside the top 100 to reach the world No. 13 ranking. He had achieved notable victories, including his maiden ATP Tour title and reaching the quarterfinals of the French Open.
However, his bid for a deep run in New York ended when he lost to Yunchaokete Bu in a one-hour and 48-minute match.
During the press conference, the reporter brought up Jódar's past controversy regarding broken shoelaces, which had caused him to pause matches to change them during the North American hardcourt swing. The reporter asked if Jódar was concerned about being perceived as using this as an excuse to take breaks during his matches. Jódar, taken aback by the question, responded, "What's the question?
The shoelaces didn't break today. So the question? What is the question? I don't know. I don't know the question." He dismissed the idea that discussing his physical condition could be seen as making excuses, stating, "Doesn't make sense."
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