A LEADING Spanish tennis player has come under fire after appearing to push a Roland Garros ball girl during a childish on-court meltdown at the French Open.
Rafael Jodar, 19, has faced calls to apologise after his temper tantrum was captured by TV cameras in Paris.
The petulant Madrid-born ace chucked a water bottle into the crowd before appearing to bump into the young ball girl, almost causing her to fall over.
The disappointing incident came during the World No.29’s gruelling 7-6, 6-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 third-round victory over US star Alex Michelsen in the sapping Parisian heat.
READ MORE: Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of Wimbledon as two-time champion’s injury woes continue
When asked about the collision post-match, Jodar denied making contact with the ball girl, instead claiming she stumbled because of a court cover.
“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,” the Spaniard told the press.
“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 like…what do you call it?? The mop?”
He later clarified that he thought she nearly fell because of the court cover.
“Yeah, it was right behind. So when she walked backwards she fell with that,” he added.
“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…”
Jodar is set to face off against compatriot Pablo Carreño Busta in the fourth round on Sunday.
The 19-year-old is the highest-ranked Spaniard left in the prestigious Grand Slam tournament after the injury suffered to World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz and the departure of Malaga-born Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round.
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