Rafael Jódar Explains Himself to Denis Shapovalov After Drama Erupts During Their Cincinnati Open Clash

Aug 1, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Rafael Jodar (ESP) reacts after missing a shot against Alejandro Tabilo (CHI) (not pictured) in a men's singles semifinal on day six of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Rafael Jódar and Denis Shapovalov’s Cincinnati Open clash not only delivered a riveting battle on the court but also sparked controversy when the Canadian voiced his frustration with Jódar’s actions. Following the match, the two players engaged in conversation as they appeared to address the incident.

Inside Rafael Jódar and Denis Shapovalov’s Tense Cincinnati Open Battle

Following a first-round bye, No. 12 seed Jódar engaged in a closely contested battle with Shapovalov in the second round of the Cincinnati Open. The Spaniard won the opening set, while Shapovalov fought back to take the second set to force a decider that was filled with drama.

With the Canadian leading 2-1 in the decider, Jódar called for a medical timeout and received treatment on his left leg. The Spaniard required another pause in play while trailing 1-4 after his shoelaces broke.

Jódar then found himself on the brink of defeat as Shapovalov took a 5-1 lead. However, the 19-year-old saved two match points and started mounting an incredible comeback. The drama continued when Jódar’s shoelaces broke for the second time while he was trailing 3-5, forcing another stoppage to change shoes.

Shapovalov appeared frustrated by the situation, complaining that the Spaniard used his previous break not only to change shoes but also to drink water.

“Shapovalov, he’s even saying to Jódar that the last time he changed shoes, he was also getting water,” the commentator said.

Jódar went on to complete a remarkable comeback, winning six games in a row to secure a 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 victory. When Shapovalov approached him for the post-match handshake, the 19-year-old appeared to explain the situation with the shoelaces, as noted by the commentator.

“Jódar I think just explaining the situation with regards to the laces,” the commentator said.

This is not the first time Jódar has had trouble with his shoelaces, as he also had to stop play to deal with the issue during his matches at the Mubadala DC Open and the Canadian Open.

MORE: ‘Looks Like It Hurts’ – Eugenie Bouchard Stunned As Coco Gauff, Rafael Jódar Hit Themselves With Rackets at Canadian Open

Up next, Rafael Jódar will lock horns with No. 22 seed Alejandro Tabilo in the third round of the Cincinnati Open. A win would send the Spaniard into the fourth round, where he will take on either Flavio Cobolli or Alexander Blockx.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.