John Isner issues his verdict on Rafael Jodar’s outburst at a ball kid in Shanghai, ‘people need to just chill out’

Former American tennis player John Isner has defended Rafael Jodar's behavior towards a ball kid in Shanghai, stating "people need to just chill out." Jodar, 20 years old, was heard swearing at a ball kid during an ATP Masters 1000 tournament match against Botic van de Zandschulp. He received a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct and later went on to win the match, securing his place in the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters.

Isner suggested that Jodar's frustration was due to the heat in Shanghai and that the young player would improve over time. He also emphasized the need to show respect towards ball kids, who work extremely hard during matches. Jodar, who has been criticized before for incidents involving ball kids, is now in the race to qualify for the ATP Finals.