Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar drew criticism after an incident with a ball girl during his Wimbledon match against Pablo Carreno Busta. The 19-year-old completed a five-set victory but faced renewed scrutiny over his on-court conduct.
Jodar defeated the former world No. 10 in a match that resumed on July 2 after being suspended the previous evening due to fading light. The score finished 3-6, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Court 2.
During the second set, while leading 4-1, Jodar slipped and accidentally struck a ball girl with his racket. She retrieved the racket and returned it to him, but many viewers said he offered no visible thanks.
Social media users described the Spaniard as cold and arrogant, with some labeling him a spoiled brat. Others defended the moment as unintentional and noted he appeared to look at the ball girl.
The episode recalled a similar controversy at the 2026 Parisian Slam, where Jodar was accused of pushing a ball girl after a set.
