Rafael Jodar issues response to Denis Shapovalov’s complaints about him at the Cincinnati Open

Rafael Jodar survived a mammoth battle with Denis Shapovalov at the Cincinnati Open, which was steeped in more than a little bit of controversy.

The Spaniard needed three sets to knock Shapovalov out of the competition at the second round stage, but there was no love lost on the court in Cincinnati.

Shapovalov was far from happy with Jodar taking a break to sort out his shoelaces, which has becoming a running theme with the Spaniard since his breakout on the ATP Tour.

The Canadian shared his disgust at the situation with the umpire during the time out and the pair shared a tense exchance at the net after the match.

Jodar was asked about the situation during his post-match press conference and he was non-plussed about Shapovalov’s anger at the situation.

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“Honestly, I can’t do anything about it,” said the Spaniard, who currently sits at world No 11 on the ATP Tour rankings.

“My laces broke and I needed time to prepare a new pair. I’ll try to have spare laces for the next match or other shoes, which will reduce the stoppage time if it happens again.”

This is not the first time Jodar has had problems with his laces during the match and many fans and pundits are beginning to think it is gamesmanship.

The Spaniard also used a timeout to sort out his laces during his Washington Open final against Taylor Fritz, which he eventually lost in straight sets.

Despite the controversy of his latest victory, Jodar continued his incredible form on the North American hardcourt swing.

The Spaniard reached the final of the Washington Open and followed it up by reaching the semi finals of the Canadian Open.

He is well on his way to qualify for the ATP Finals at the end of the year and he will be looking to continue that form at the Cincinnati Open.

The Spaniard will play Alejandro Tabilo in the third round of the Cincinnati Open, with either Alexander Blockx and Flavio Cobolli awaiting in round four.

With Novak Djokovic already out of the tournament, Jodar has to be considered one of the outside favourites to win the Masters tournament.

If he did so, it would be his very first Masters 1000 title and more than befitting of the form he has put in since the clay court swing earlier this year.

Jodar is 34-13 on the ATP Tour this year, which is phenomenal for a teenager who is making his debut in at the very top of the sport.