Spanish tennis star Rafael Jodar has unfairly been accused of shoving a ball kid after misleading footage circulated social media following his third-round victory over American Alex Michelsen at the French Open.
The 19-year-old progressed to the top 16 at Roland Garros after defeating Michelsen 7-6 (2), 6-7 (5), 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 at Court Simonne-Mathieu on Friday; he will next face fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, marking the first time he’s progressed to the fourth round at a major.
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1 >
However, a reporter incorrectly accused Jodar of pushing a ball girl during the post-match press conference after video emerged of the child momentarily losing her footing and tripping over the court cover as he walked past. Jodar, leaving the court for a toilet break, was gesturing to his father in the box as he passed the ball kid, who slipped as she moved backwards to make room for him.
But there was no contact between them, with camera trickery and parallax error to blame for the confusion.
“She was walking backwards, I didn’t push her or anything,” Jodar explained.
“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. She was in the middle, so I think she was trying to get out of the way going backwards, but I think she fell, but not because I pushed her.
“The court over, it was right behind her, so when she was walking backwards, she fell with that.
“I appreciate all the work that the ball kids are doing. I know it’s difficult with the heat and the conditions to stay there, so I appreciate. I could never push a ball kid.”
The reporter then incorrectly claimed he touched the ball kid, which Jodar again denied.
“No, I didn’t touch her. No no no, I could never do that.”