Rafael Jódar snaps at reporter over confusing shoelace question at US Open

During the post-match press conference at the U.S. Open, Rafael Jódar, eliminated in the opening round by Yunchaokete Bu, was confronted with a question about the online debate surrounding his habit of breaking shoelaces. Jódar, appearing confused, asked the reporter to restate the query and later dismissed it as incomprehensible. The moderator struggled to clarify, noting that his laces had not broken in that match.

This awkward exchange echoed earlier controversies at the Cincinnati Open, where Jódar’s laces snapped twice in a match against Denis Shapovalov, forcing multiple shoe changes and a lengthy pause. Similar lace failures were reported at the D.C. and Canadian Opens, leading one outlet to label him a “serial lace breaker.” The episode highlights the growing scrutiny athletes face over seemingly minor equipment issues.