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.
Denis Shapovalov quejándose con el juez de silla porque a Rafael Jódar se le rompieron los cordones varias veces durante el partido.
☠️💀 pic.twitter.com/8XV2JpAKA5
— Tiempo De Tenis (@Tiempodetenis1) August 16, 2026
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.
Cincy madness✌️
Rafael Jodar rallies from double break down in the third to defeat Shapovalov 7-5 4-6 7-5! #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/9vk9qgqTVh
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 16, 2026
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.
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.
