Rafa Jódar overcame a 1-5 deficit and two match points against Denis Shapovalov in Cincinnati. The match was interrupted twice due to Jódar’s shoe issues, fueling controversy on court.
High drama unfolded at the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati as Rafa Jódar, Spain’s rising tennis star, delivered a remarkable comeback against Denis Shapovalov. The 19-year-old from Madrid, ranked 11th in the world, was trailing 1-5 in the deciding set but managed to save two match points and ultimately secured a 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 victory after nearly three hours of intense play. The match was marked not only by the scoreline but by a series of unexpected interruptions that shifted the momentum at a critical stage.
Jódar’s progress was repeatedly hampered by problems with his left leg and, more notably, by issues with his shoelaces. Twice, play was halted so he could address the malfunction, with the second stoppage coming at 3-5 in the third set. This pause, lasting over a minute, visibly frustrated Shapovalov, who argued with the chair umpire, suggesting the break was cooling his momentum at a decisive moment. The Canadian’s irritation was evident both during the stoppage and later, as he confronted Jódar during the post-match handshake. Despite the tension, the exchange ended with a handshake, closing the incident without further escalation.
Jódar, speaking after the match, acknowledged the disruption but emphasized that such equipment issues are beyond a player’s control. He noted that he would bring extra shoes to future matches to avoid a repeat. The Spanish player’s father was seen assisting with the replacement laces, while Shapovalov waited on the bench, having just missed his first chance to close out the match.
The result sets up a next-round clash for Jódar against Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo, ranked 29th, who advanced after defeating Germany’s Jan Lennard Struff. The two have already faced each other twice this year, each claiming one win. Their most recent encounter ended in Jódar’s favor, adding intrigue to the upcoming match.
Elsewhere in Cincinnati, Novak Djokovic suffered a surprising defeat to Argentina’s Thiago Agustín Tirante, with the Serbian champion experiencing physical discomfort during the match. The day’s events highlighted the unpredictable nature of the tournament, where even top seeds are not immune to setbacks. As previously reported, weather disruptions had already threatened the schedule for the Jódar-Shapovalov encounter, adding another layer of uncertainty to the competition (see more on the rain risk for this match).
The Masters 1000 in Cincinnati is a key stop on the ATP calendar, often serving as a crucial test ahead of the US Open. For Spanish tennis, Jódar’s performance signals the emergence of a new contender capable of handling both on-court adversity and the psychological pressure of high-stakes matches. His ability to recover from physical discomfort and manage unexpected equipment failures underlines the resilience required at the top level of the sport. The incident with Shapovalov also underscores the fine line between gamesmanship and genuine misfortune, a recurring theme in professional tennis. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Jódar’s next steps and whether he can maintain his momentum against Tabilo.
