Rafa Jódar’s first US Open match was disrupted by rain and a difficult opening set. The Spanish player fell behind early as Bu Yunchaokete took control. The result could shape Jódar’s season.
Rafa Jódar’s US Open debut got off to a rough start. Representing Leganés, the Spanish player dropped the first set 6-2 to Bu Yunchaokete, who quickly took control of the match. A rain delay had already interrupted play, and Jódar soon found himself down 2-0 in the second set after an early break by his opponent.
Unpredictable weather at Flushing Meadows forced organizers to reschedule, adding to the tension. The changing conditions didn’t help Jódar settle in, while Bu Yunchaokete made the most of his chances, leaving Jódar searching for solutions on court. According to tournament records and tennis.com, Jódar was originally set to play Thanasi Kokkinakis, but the Australian withdrew just hours before the match. Bu Yunchaokete entered the main draw as a lucky loser.
Bu Yunchaokete lost in the final round of US Open qualifying to Federico Cina, but was reinstated into the main draw as a lucky loser after Kokkinakis withdrew.
This US Open comes at a key point in Jódar’s career. He has climbed the ATP rankings and recently played in the Masters 1,000 in Cincinnati, where he lost in the round of 16 to Flavio Cobolli. His first selection for the Spanish Davis Cup team brought extra attention. Mundo Deportivo notes that Jódar’s summer included a run to the ATP 250 final in Washington and the semifinals in Montreal, raising expectations for New York.
Despite the difficult start, Jódar fought for points and tried to stay in the match. Bu Yunchaokete’s aggressive play and early break in the second set made the challenge even steeper. Live updates on Movistar+ and Tennis TV tracked every shift in momentum as the evening went on. The match was played on Court 17, with repeated delays due to rain, as confirmed by Sofascore and 20minutos.
The draw ahead for Jódar is demanding. If he advances, he could face Marozsan, Zheng, Ruud, JM Cerúndolo, Altmaier, Svajda, De Miñaur, Bergs, Zverev, Musetti, Tabilo, Fritz, Mensik, Cobolli, and, in a possible final, Alcaraz, Djokovic, Shelton, or Fils. Each opponent presents a real test, and the early deficit against Bu Yunchaokete raises questions about Jódar’s readiness.
Jódar entered the US Open as ATP No. 12–13, while Bu Yunchaokete was ranked No. 124 and only returned to the main draw as a lucky loser. The late change of opponent, confirmed by Mundo Deportivo and TennisUpToDate, altered Jódar’s preparation but did not diminish his status as the clear favorite in this first-round match.
El Confidencial reports that Jódar has spoken about the responsibility of representing Spain in the Davis Cup and thanked those who have supported him. Praise from Roger Federer for his steady progress has added to the expectations. But Grand Slam tennis is unforgiving, and the opening moments of this match have shown how small the margins can be.
Jódar’s US Open campaign now hangs in the balance. The combination of bad weather, a tough opponent, and the pressure of a major debut will test both his game and his composure. For Spanish tennis, the focus is on whether Jódar can recover and deliver on the promise that brought him here. The outcome of this match will shape his season and show if Spain’s new Davis Cup player is ready for the sport’s top level.
