Rafael Jodar Responds to Viral Ballgirl Controversy After Marathon Roland Garros Win

Rafael Jodar has reached the second week of Grand Slam for the first time.

Rafael Jodar Responds to Viral Ballgirl Controversy After Marathon Roland Garros Win

Rafael Jodar (Image via Punto de Break)

In Short
  • Rafael Jodar advanced to the round of 16 at the 2026 Roland Garros after defeating Alex Michelsen in a five-set match.
  • Jodar addressed criticism over a viral video showing him near a ballgirl, asserting he never made contact.
  • The 19-year-old's victory marks his first fourth-round appearance at a Grand Slam in his debut main draw at the French Open.

Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar advanced to the round of 16 at the 2026 Roland Garros on Friday. The Spaniard fought back from a set down to defeat American Alex Michelsen in a grueling five-set marathon that lasted four hours and 16 minutes.

After the high of his win, the post-match press conference took an unexpected turn. A video clip from the match went viral on social media, showing Jodar moving past a ballgirl during a changeover. Some viewers interpreted it as contact, sparking criticism and questions about his behavior. Jodar addressed it directly and firmly in both English and Spanish.

I finished the set, and she was walking backward. I was telling my dad to give me what he was going to give me after the toilet break. She was in the middle. I think she was trying to get out of the way. She fell because there was a court cover behind her…I could never push a ballkid. I never touched her. I would never do that. “In the image – I haven’t seen it – it probably doesn’t show very well. Everyone has their opinion, and they’ll say what they want…I would never do anything to a ballgirl. I know what they go through. It’s very, very hot. I appreciate everything they do. I never touched her.

The 19-year-old 27th seed won 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 on Court Simonne-Mathieu, setting up an all-Spanish clash against Pablo Carreno Busta. This marks Jodar’s first time reaching the fourth round of a major in what is only his debut main draw appearance at the French Open.

The young player appeared frustrated by having to repeatedly clarify the situation right after an exhausting victory. In tennis, these moments can quickly blow up online, especially with younger players under the spotlight. Jodar handled the questions professionally, sticking to his account without dodging.

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Inside Rafael Jodar’s win

Jodar fired 71 winners and 13 aces in the contest, which featured a staggering 27 break points in total. That kind of output against a dangerous opponent on clay shows not just talent but serious work on his game. Michelsen pushed him hard, especially early, but couldn’t maintain the intensity as fatigue set in during the later sets.

For context, this was the longest match of Jodar’s young career. Coming back from two sets to one down at a Grand Slam, in front of a passionate Parisian crowd, is the kind of experience that builds champions. The fans could see the relief and joy on his face after the final point, pure emotion after grinding it out on one of the sport’s toughest surfaces.

Michelsen deserves credit, too. Before this tournament, he’d never won a set at Roland Garros in two previous tries. Reaching the third round and pushing a seeded player this far is progress for the American, even in defeat. He had won five of his last seven matches against Spanish players, making Jodar’s victory stand out even more.

Rafael Jodar’s rapid rise and what it means for Spanish Tennis

Rafael Jodar’s journey has been remarkable. From relative obscurity a year ago to seeding at Roland Garros and reaching the last 16—this kind of leap doesn’t happen without serious dedication, good coaching, and natural ability. Spain has a rich history of producing clay-court specialists and Grand Slam contenders, from Rafael Nadal to Carlos Alcaraz. Jodar looks like he could be the next in line.

Rafael Jodar
Rafael Jodar (Image via Punto de Break)

His upcoming match against Pablo Carreno Busta, a resurgent former top-10 player, will be another big test. Carreno Busta knows how to compete on the big stage, especially in best-of-five sets. For Jodar, it’s an opportunity to keep building momentum and prove his run isn’t a fluke.

Fans have reacted positively overall to his breakthrough, appreciating the fighting spirit he showed against Michelsen. The French Open crowd on Court Simonne-Mathieu is known for getting behind entertaining matches, and this one delivered.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner Denies Heat Conditions as The Reason Behind his Roland Garros Capitulation Against Juan Manuel Cerundolo