Rafael Jódar has ultimately triumphed over Pablo Carreño Busta with a final score of 3-6, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4. The match had been halted on Wednesday evening due to insufficient artificial lighting on Wimbledon’s Court No. 2. At the time of the suspension, they were in the midst of the fourth set, with Carreño having secured two sets to Jódar’s one, and Jódar leading the incomplete fourth set 2-1.
Since last night, and particularly with the final outcome known, Jódar is facing criticism for employing a “trick.” On Wednesday, during a difficult period where he was experiencing physical discomfort from an ankle injury, Jódar requested a bathroom break. This occurred when it became clear the match would likely be interrupted for the day unless it concluded very quickly.
This maneuver allowed him to gain valuable time and potentially avert what seemed like an inevitable defeat. Despite Carreño’s protests to the umpire, the match was suspended at a point that allowed Jódar to rest and attempt a comeback the following day, which he successfully did. At the conclusion of the match on Thursday, the handshake between the two players was notably lacking in warmth, and many observers online felt that Carreño deserved the victory.
Jódar, aged 19, has now defeated the 34-year-old Carreño in two consecutive Grand Slam tournaments. A similar pattern unfolded at Roland Garros a few weeks prior, though without an interruption. In that instance, Carreño had been leading in the first two sets, but Jódar persevered and ultimately won. This performance at Roland Garros saw him reach the quarterfinals in his debut, solidifying his status as a rising star and propelling him up the rankings from his current world No. 25 position.
Jódar’s next opponent at Wimbledon will be the Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki in the third round. The winner of that match could potentially face Jannik Sinner or Jenson Brooksby in the fourth round. Jódar and Sinner have a previous encounter, with Sinner emerging victorious in their semi-final match in Madrid. Despite the loss, Sinner acknowledged Jódar’s talent, even at such a young age.