Rafael Jódar exits US Open following loss to Yunchaokete Bu

Rafael Jódar experienced a first-round exit at the 2026 US Open after falling to Yunchaokete Bu in a match that concluded on September 2. The encounter was impacted by rain delays and finished in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 in one hour and 48 minutes. Following the match, Jódar participated in a press conference where he addressed questions regarding his perceived use of broken shoelaces as a tactic to stall play during previous tournaments. The 19-year-old dismissed the line of questioning as nonsensical, noting that the equipment issue did not occur during his opening match in New York. With the result, Yunchaokete Bu advances to the second round to face American Michael Zheng. Jódar, currently ranked world No. 13, entered the tournament after a successful hardcourt campaign that included a semifinal appearance in Canada.

• 7:02 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Doesn’t Make Sense’ – Rafael Jódar Snaps at Reporter Over ‘Excuses’ Question on Past Controversy After US Open Loss