“People need to chill out” – Rafael Jodar gets full support from John Isner after latest ball kid controversy at Shanghai Masters

Former American tennis player John Isner has publicly defended Rafael Jodar following a ball kid controversy at the Shanghai Masters. The 20-year-old Spaniard received an unsportsmanlike conduct code violation after shouting profanities at a ball kid for a towel during his round-of-16 match against Botic Van de Zandschulp on Wednesday, October 14. Facing severe online backlash, Jodar received support from Isner on the Nothing Major Podcast, where Isner urged critical fans to "chill out."

The incident follows a previous controversy in May at the French Open, where Jodar denied accusations of shoving a ball kid. Despite the tension in Shanghai, Jodar overcame Van de Zandschulp in three sets after earlier tournament victories over Thiago Agustin Tirante and Jiri Lehecka. The World No. 13 advanced to set up a quarterfinal clash against Casper Ruud.