Rafael Jodar handed major US Open draw change as first-round rival withdraws hours before clash

Tuesday, 01 September 2026 at 19:30

Rafael Jodar had one of the more dangerous first-round opponents at the US Open. Then, just hours before his Grand Slam debut, that opponent withdrew, forcing a late change to the draw and leaving the young Spaniard with an entirely different challenge in New York.

That opponent was Thanasi Kokkinakis, the experienced Australian who had been scheduled to face Jodar on Tuesday on Court 17. The match was due to take place in the third rotation, with an approximate start time of 9:30 p.m. local time, giving the 2024 US Open junior champion a difficult test in his first senior main-draw appearance.

Instead, Kokkinakis withdrew before stepping onto court, opening the door for Bu Yunchaokete to return to the tournament as a lucky loser. The Chinese player had been beaten by Federico Cina in the final round of qualifying and was initially set to leave New York, but the late withdrawal gave him an unexpected place in the main draw.

The change completely alters the circumstances surrounding Jodar’s US Open debut. The Spaniard was preparing to face an experienced opponent in what was already one of the biggest matches of his young career, but he will now take on a player who entered the main draw only because of the late withdrawal.

Kokkinakis withdrew hours before debut

The original matchup had been viewed as one of the more intriguing first-round contests involving a young prospect. Jodar was returning to the site where he won the 2024 US Open boys’ title, but stepping into the senior draw against an established tour player represented a considerably different test. Instead, that challenge disappeared only hours before his scheduled debut.

Kokkinakis’ withdrawal is particularly unfortunate given the Australian’s difficult road back to the tour. He spent much of 2025 dealing with a chronic pectoral problem that ultimately required an unprecedented operation in February, with surgeons attaching a donor Achilles tendon between his right pectoral muscle and shoulder. The procedure followed years of recurring physical problems that had repeatedly interrupted his career.

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His comeback has not been straightforward either. Kokkinakis returned to singles in January 2026 after almost 12 months away, defeating Sebastian Korda in Adelaide before withdrawing from the tournament with a right shoulder injury. He subsequently pulled out of the Australian Open singles and later endured further interruptions during the clay-court season, including a retirement at Roland Garros.

That makes his latest withdrawal another frustrating setback for a player who has spent years trying to establish consistency on tour. For Jodar, meanwhile, the late change means abandoning the preparation built around facing Kokkinakis and quickly adapting to a completely different opponent. Bu Yunchaokete, beaten by Federico Cina in the final qualifying round, has been reinstated as a lucky loser and will now take Kokkinakis’ place in the draw.

US Open update:
OUT: Kokkinakis
IN: Bu (LL, will play against Jodar)
— Entry List Updates (@EntryLists) September 1, 2026

Lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete gets unexpected second chance

Bu Yunchaokete had been preparing to leave New York after losing to Federico Cina in the final round of qualifying. Instead, the Chinese player was reinstated as a lucky loser following Kokkinakis’ withdrawal and will now take his place in the main draw. After coming within one victory of qualifying, Bu has suddenly been handed another opportunity at the US Open.

The late change gives Jodar a very different opening-round assignment from the one he had spent the past few days preparing for. Kokkinakis’ experience and physical game were expected to provide a stern examination, while Bu enters the match having already played through qualifying and with nothing to lose after an unexpected return to the draw.

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For Jodar, however, the significance of the occasion remains unchanged. The Spaniard won the US Open boys’ singles title in 2024 and is now making his first appearance in the senior main draw at the tournament. His progression from junior champion to Grand Slam competitor has made him one of the young players attracting attention in New York.

The original matchup would have given Jodar an immediate test against an established tour player, but the new contest presents a different challenge. Bu has already shown that he can compete successfully through the qualifying stages, and his unexpected place in the main draw could make him a dangerous opponent despite the circumstances surrounding his entry.

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Jodar must now quickly reset his preparations and focus on the player who will actually stand across the net. His US Open debut has already taken an unexpected turn before a ball has been struck, but the objective remains the same: make the most of his opportunity on the courts where he became a junior Grand Slam champion two years ago.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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