Rafael Jodar Snaps at Reporter Over Questions About Shoelace Controversy After US Open Exit: “Doesn’t Make Sense”

Rafael Jodar was in a sour mood after his US Open exit. On Wednesday (September 2), Jodar was dismantled 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 by Yunchaokete Bu in the first round.

Before arriving at Flushing Meadows, Jodar produced his career’s best Masters 1000 performance at the Canadian Open, where he reached the semifinal, losing the match to eventual runner-up Brandon Nakashima. Next, he competed at the Cincinnati Masters, during which he sparked controversy when he changed his shoes twice.

His shoelaces broke twice, when he was 4-1 and 5-3 down in the decider against Denis Shapovalov in the opening round. This started a debate about whether the two breaks were part of tactics to break his opponent’s rhythm.

This was not the first time Jodar’s shoelaces broke, as this happened against Taylor Fritz at the Citi Open and against Nakashima at the Canadian Open. So when Jodar was asked about the shoelace controversy, about whether he is more aware of how he is perceived online, at the press conference after his US Open exit, his response was: “What’s the question?” The moderator told him it had to do with delays during matches. Jodar snapped at the reporter.

The shoelaces didn’t break today. So the question? What is the question? I don’t know. I don’t know the question.

Rafael Jodar said

The reporter then asked him if he was worried that, if he is talking about physical conditions, many may think he’s making excuses. Jodar’s answer was: “Doesn’t make sense.”

Rafa Jodar was asked about people online discussing his shoelaces breaking during matches and if he’s more aware now of how he might be perceived online

“Tough one. I'm sure you've probably seen online throughout the year some people talking about how your shoelaces break and… pic.twitter.com/jp87erA4KE

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 2, 2026

At the US Open, he was one of the contenders to win the title thanks to his form this season. Jodar, playing on the ATP Tour for the very first time, has made quite a few deep runs and even won a title at the Grand Prix Hassan II by defeating Marco Trungelliti. He also made the final of the Citi Open, losing to home favorite Fritz.

After making his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open, Jodar reached the quarterfinals of the French Open, losing to eventual champion Alexander Zverev. Prior to the Cincinnati Masters, Jodar also reached the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open and the Italian Open.

Rafael Jodar reflects on his defeat

Rafael Jodar lost in the first round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career. On his Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open, he made the second round.

And after making the quarterfinals in Paris, his campaign at Wimbledon ended in the third round. Following his latest upset, the 19-year-old said the reason he lost was simply that Yunchaokete Bu played better than him.

He played better than me, and that’s the reason why he won today. Physically, physically good, and yeah, that’s it. That’s how the match went. He played better than me, so he deserved to win today.

Rafael Jodar said at the press conference

The Chinese ace, also competing as the qualifier, will next be facing Michael Zheng, who defeated Fabian Marozsan.

Well, match has been just finished, so I don’t really know, yeah, what I can improve and what I should do for the next time. But yeah, I mean I’m new in the tour. There are going to be things like this because [I’m] new… So just try to learn from it so it doesn’t happen again. First time can happen to anyone. You know, we are human. So the second time, it would be bad if I haven’t learned from this one. 

Rafael Jodar added

Carlos Alcaraz is playing as the defending champion. Last year’s runner-up Jannik Sinner withdrew due to a knee injury. Novak Djokovic suffered a shock upset in the first round.

Also read: Juan Martin del Potro Sends Urgent Wrist Warning to Carlos Alcaraz After US Open Return