Rafael Jodar may be a rookie on the ATP World Tour, but he’s already a savvy veteran in handling tennis media ineptitude…
The Spaniard was upset today by China’s Bu in three lopsided sets and was in no mood for silly questions…
Jodar was asked about his tendency for Adidas shoelace malfunctions…
Q. Tough one. I’m sure you’ve probably seen online
throughout the year some people, like, talking about
how your shoelaces break and things like that. I’m just
wondering, are you more aware now of how you’ll just
be perceived online depending on what you said?
RAFAEL JODAR: What’s the question?
THE MODERATOR: It had to do with delays during
matches.
RAFAEL JODAR: The shoelaces didn’t break today. So
the question? What is the question? I don’t know. I don’t
know the question.
Q. Sorry, I’m sure, like, when you’re shoelaces were
breaking, I’m sure you noticed a lot of people were
talking about it online. I’m wondering, are you worried
that if you talk about your physical condition, if people
might think you’re making excuses, basically?
RAFAEL JODAR: Doesn’t make sense.
The no. 12 seed Jodar made an alarming 37 unforced errors and connected on only fifteen winners. The 19 year old did not manage a single break point on the Buyunchaokete serve throughout the one hour and 48-minute mismatch.
“I’m new on the tour. There are going to be things like this because I’m new,” Jodar said of his abysmal performance after such a red hot summer. “Just try to learn from it so it doesn’t happen again. First time can happen to anyone. We are human. Second time, it could be bad if I haven’t learned from this one.”
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Steve · September 2, 2026 at 6:35 pm
During Wawrinka’s final presser at the US Open he was bombarded with questions about other players, Nishikori and random South Ameriacn players. He graciously answered them but it was kind of rude.
How about asking him about HIS game and HIS legendary career during his last US Open presser?
Scoop Malinowski · September 2, 2026 at 8:22 pm
The tennis media does not appreciate Stanimal Stan Wawrinka’s impact on the sport in the most difficult era of all. At his very best he could manhandle anyone and everyone, even Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. If I were there I would have asked Stan if he can cite which player or players played the best tennis against him that he ever experienced? Was it Fedal or Djokovic or Delpo or even someone else? What did he feel was his finest performance or performances of his career where he played his absolute best? And which players gave his game the most problems? But I was not credentialed in favor of a 100 influencers )
Steve · September 3, 2026 at 8:39 am
Those are quality questions. I’m pretty sure his biggest regret was losing to Gasquet in the quarters of Wimby, he would have face Djokovic in the Semis.
Also, Medvedev’s game seemed to give him some problems but we are left to guess…
Scoop Malinowski · September 3, 2026 at 9:59 am
Steve, Gasquet could be tough especially on grass, he knocked off Roddick at Wimbledon too, he also had the ten match points vs Kyrgios at Wimbledon. You have to remember that?
Steve · September 3, 2026 at 9:21 pm
Yes, you remind me of it every now & then LOL