Jódar stages epic comeback to beat Shapovalov in Cincinnati

Rafa Jódar produced a stunning comeback in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters, recovering from a 1-5 deficit in the deciding set to defeat Denis Shapovalov 7-5, 4-6, 7-5. The 19-year-old Spaniard saved two match points and won six consecutive games to seal the victory Source: ABC. The match was marked by controversy, as Jódar twice interrupted play due to shoelace problems, drawing criticism from Shapovalov Source: El Mundo.

The comeback

Jódar, ranked 11th, appeared to be on the brink of defeat after receiving medical attention for a left leg issue and falling behind 1-5 in the third set. However, he recovered both breaks and reeled off six straight games to clinch an improbable win Source: La Vanguardia. The victory extends his remarkable debut season, which has included a title in Marrakech, a final in Washington, and a semifinal appearance in Montreal Source: El Confidencial.

The controversy

Shapovalov was visibly frustrated by Jódar's two pauses to fix his shoelaces, the second occurring at 3-5 in the third set, when Jódar stopped play for over a minute and required his father's help Source: Infobae. After the match, Jódar apologized, but Shapovalov accused him of using the pauses to drink water Source: Emol. Jódar defended himself, saying, "It's a situation I can't control" Source: ABC.

What's next

Jódar will face Alejandro Tabilo in the third round Source: El Mundo. With Novak Djokovic's early exit and the absence of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Jódar's path to his first Masters 1000 title has opened up Source: El Español.