'I would never do that': Spanish teen denies pushing Roland Garros ball girl

A misleading video, which went viral online, has had to be explained by Spanish teenager Rafael Jódar amid speculation around whether he pushed a ball girl during his third round match at Roland Garros.

The 19-year-old, who has suddenly risen to stardom in the past couple of months following a string of impressive results, looked down and out trailing two sets to one against American Alex Michelsen, before turning around the contest to progress in five sets.

But one incident in particular sparked outrage when it appeared at first glance that the world No.29 pushed a ball girl out of the way.

"She was walking backwards, I didn't push her or anything," Jódar explained in his post-match press conference.

"I was telling my dad to give me the things that he was going to give me after a toilet break when I was coming back. She was in the middle, so I think she was trying to get out of the way going backwards, but I think she fell, but not because I pushed her.

"The court cover; it was right behind her, so when she was walking backwards, she fell with that.

"I appreciate all the work that the ball kids are doing. I know it's difficult with the heat and the conditions to stay there, so I appreciate. I could never push a ball kid."

But after the journalist then followed up by clarifying if Jódar had pushed her, the 27th seed doubled down in his response.

"No, I didn't touch her. No no no, I could never do that," said Jódar.

Jódar is one of the favourites to win Roland Garros, as only two players inside the top 10 remain in the draw, thanks to upsets involving the likes of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic.