Rafael Jodar Apologizes After Humiliating a Young Boy

Rafael Jodar admitted his mistake and apologized at a press conference in Shanghai after humiliating and mistreating a ball boy during his Masters 1000 match against Botic van de Zandschulp. The rising Spanish star’s rude and irritable behavior has often been the subject of controversy lately, but this time Jodar truly crossed the line by taking his frustration out on a young boy after losing a rally.

“Hurry up and give me this f…ing towel, damn it!” was the Spaniard’s outburst, which immediately prompted a reprimand from the chair umpire. At the time, Jodar complained about the umpire’s decision, but on Friday, after his victory over Casper Ruud, he issued an official apology.

“I shouldn’t have treated the ball kid the way I did; I have great respect for them and for the umpires. I didn’t mean to hurt him; I wasn’t able to control my emotions. I’d like to apologize to the ball boy if I see him—I’d like to tell him I’m very sorry,” said Jodar.

““In addition to learning how to hit a forehand or a backhand, I’m also learning how to conduct myself on the court. I’m not perfect; I make mistakes, but I try to learn from them. I’ll try never to do it again,” concluded the player, who is getting closer and closer to breaking into the top 10 following his latest victories.