French Open tennis star forced to deny pushing Roland Garros ball girl after video goes viral

RAFAEL JODAR has denied shoving a ball girl during his French Open third-round win.

The Spaniard, 19, overcame Alex Michelsen 7-6, 6-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 in a gruelling four hours and 17-minute tussle.

During the contest, a moment went viral for all the wrong reasons.

In the heat of battle, Jodar appeared to approach his player box.

The world No29 threw his water bottle back towards his team before marching down the tunnel.

In a moment that has since gone viral, a ball girl could be seen being knocked off balance.

Several fans watching at home alleged that Jodar had shoved the ball girl, causing her to stumble.

Asked about the incident in his post-match press conference, Jodar denied making contact at all.

He instead claimed that her stumble had been caused by the court cover as she manoeuvred into position.

Jodar said: “I finished the second or third set. I don’t remember which set it was. She was walking backwards, and I think she… I didn’t push her or anything.

“I was telling my dad to give me the things that he was going to give me after a toilet break when I was coming back… she was in the middle, so I think she was trying to get out of the way.

“She was going backwards, but I think she fell, but not because I pushed her, because it was something for, like… what do you call it? The mop?”

When asked whether he meant the court cover, Jodar added: “The court cover… yeah. It was right behind her. So when she was walking backwards she fell with that.

“But obviously I appreciate all the work that the ball kids are doing. I know it’s difficult with the heat and the conditions to stay there, so I appreciate it. I could never push a ball kid…”

Asked for absolute clarity over whether he made any contact at all, Jodar said: “No, I didn’t touch her. No, no no. I could never do that.”

The rising star is set to be back in action on Sunday against veteran compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta.