Rafael Jodar's Laver Cup debut was supposed to be another milestone in the Spaniard's remarkable rise, but his shoelaces had other plans. Just three games into his match against Alexander Bublik, Jodar was forced to return to his chair after running into trouble with his footwear while chasing a drop shot, bringing back one of the strangest storylines of his breakout season.
Yes, the shoelaces are back. Jodar's footwear problems became an unexpected subplot during his rise this summer, most notably in Cincinnati when his laces broke twice against Denis Shapovalov during the deciding set. The interruptions frustrated the Canadian, but Jodar eventually completed a remarkable comeback from 5-1 down to claim the victory.
The Cincinnati episode was not an isolated case. Similar problems had already occurred at the Canadian Open and Washington Open, with Jodar's aggressive sliding style putting considerable stress on his footwear. After going several matches without another incident, the problem resurfaced almost immediately in London, this time during the Spaniard's first appearance at the Laver Cup.
The interruption, however, did little to disrupt Jodar's performance. The Spaniard quickly regained control against Bublik and produced the most dominant display of the opening day, winning 6-2, 6-3 in a controlled performance. The victory gave Team Europe a 2-1 lead before Carlos Alcaraz and Jakub Mensik took to the court for the next doubles match.
The shoelaces follow Jodar to London
The Cincinnati controversy remains the most memorable chapter of the saga. Jodar's shoelaces broke twice in the third set against Shapovalov, including as the Spaniard began turning the match around. The Canadian was visibly frustrated by the interruptions, particularly as Jodar fought back from 5-1 down before completing the comeback.
This time, however, there was no late-match drama behind the stoppage. Jodar's latest problem arrived just three games into the contest, with neither player having established a significant advantage. It was another reminder that, whatever the controversy in Cincinnati, the shoelace problem has followed Jodar to different tournaments and different stages of matches.
😅 Los cordones de Jódar están más nerviosos que él...
— Eurosport.es (@Eurosport_ES) September 25, 2026
😬 El español vuelve a tener problemas con sus zapatillas sin haber completado dos juegos#LaverCup pic.twitter.com/0lvrWEqEE5
Jodar has previously explained that his sliding style contributes to the issue, with his extreme movements around the court putting additional pressure on his shoes. That may explain why the problem keeps returning, although the Spaniard will surely be hoping to find a more permanent solution now that his footwear has become almost as recognizable as his tennis.
And this time, Team Europe was ready to help. Yannick Noah told Jodar to take his time, Flavio Cobolli helped with the other pair and Jakub Mensik was ready to offer another option if needed. For a few moments, Jodar's Laver Cup debut turned into a small Team Europe shoelace operation.
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But the footwear subplot ultimately remained just that. Jodar returned to the court, kept Bublik under control and finished the match in straight sets. His 6-2, 6-3 victory not only gave him a winning start to his Laver Cup debut but also put Europe ahead 2-1, leaving the attention to shift towards Alcaraz and the doubles.
For Jodar, it was another step in a remarkable 2026. He has moved from outside the Top 200 to the verge of the Top 10 and earned a place alongside Europe's biggest names. His tennis continues to be the main story, even if his shoelaces appear determined to keep writing a subplot of their own.
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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