French Open star denies pushing ball girl after video goes viral: ‘I could never’

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleRafael Jodar celebrates a point against Alex Michelsen of the United States during their Men's Singles third-round match (Getty)Spanish tennis player Rafael Jodar faced scrutiny after viral footage showed a ball girl losing balance near him during his French Open third-round match. Jodar vehemently denied pushing the ball girl, saying that he did not make contact and was gesturing to his father for items after a toilet break. While tennis legend Martina Navratilova questioned the incident and said it was “not OK”, former players Chris Eubanks and Rennae Stubbs suggested the ball girl tripped on a court tarp. Jodar attributed the ball girl's stumble to the court cover and said he appreciates “all the work that the ball kids are doing”, adding: “I could never, you know, push a ball kid.”Despite the controversy, Jodar secured a five-set victory, advancing to the French Open fourth round for the first time in his career. In fullTennis world reacts after Spanish star Rafael Jodar denies pushing ball girl at French OpenThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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