Buyunchaokete Stuns Jodar in New York, Sends Rising Spanish Star Crashing Out
Lucky loser produces a ruthless display to win just his first Grand Slam main-draw match, while 12th-seeded Jodar manages only four games
The US Open produced one of its biggest shocks of the opening round as China’s Buyunchaokete delivered a stunning performance to dismantle rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 on Wednesday in New York.
Jodar arrived at Flushing Meadows as the 12th seed and one of the most exciting young players on the ATP Tour. Instead, his first appearance in the US Open main draw ended in a remarkably one-sided defeat, with the 19-year-old winning only four games in the entire match.
For Buyunchaokete, meanwhile, it was a breakthrough moment. The 24-year-old entered the main draw only as a lucky loser after losing in the final round of qualifying, but turned that second chance into the biggest win of his Grand Slam career.
Scoreline
Buyunchaokete def. Rafael Jodar: 6-2, 6-1, 6-1
Match duration: approximately 1 hour 48 minutes
Games won: Buyunchaokete 18, Jodar 4
Break points converted: Buyunchaokete 7/16
Break points faced by Buyunchaokete: 0
The numbers underline just how dominant the Chinese player was. Jodar did not earn a single break-point opportunity, while Buyunchaokete repeatedly put pressure on the Spaniard’s service games. He also won 84 per cent of points behind his first serve, giving Jodar almost no opportunity to settle into the contest.
From Qualifying Heartbreak to Grand Slam Breakthrough
Buyunchaokete’s journey to the main draw makes the victory even more remarkable.
The Chinese player initially missed out on a place in the US Open field after suffering a three-set qualifying defeat to Italy’s Federico Cina. His tournament appeared to be over, but Thanasi Kokkinakis’ withdrawal opened the door for him to enter the main draw as a lucky loser.
He grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Rather than playing like someone grateful simply to be in the tournament, Buyunchaokete attacked from the start and maintained control throughout. Even rain interruptions failed to disturb his rhythm.
The victory was also his first Grand Slam main-draw win, making the occasion a significant milestone in his career.
Jodar’s Breakthrough Season Takes a Sudden Turn
The defeat was particularly surprising given the season Jodar has produced.
The 19-year-old Spaniard has transformed himself from a player outside the world’s Top 100 into one of the biggest young names on the ATP Tour. He won his maiden ATP Tour title in Marrakech, reached the quarter-finals at Roland Garros and produced several impressive runs during the season.
Earlier in 2026, Jodar also defeated Alex de Minaur for his first Top 10 victory before reaching the quarter-finals in Madrid. His rapid rise eventually carried him to a career-high position inside the world’s Top 20.
That momentum, however, disappeared almost immediately in New York.
Jodar struggled to find his usual rhythm from the baseline and was unable to put sustained pressure on Buyunchaokete. The Spaniard finished with 15 winners against 37 unforced errors, while failing to create even one break-point chance.
A Reality Check for One of Tennis’ Rising Stars
For Jodar, the result represents his heaviest defeat of the season, but it also arrives at a crucial stage of his development.
Only two years ago, Jodar was celebrating the US Open junior title. This year, he returned to New York as one of the tournament’s seeded players and one of the most closely watched teenagers in men’s tennis.
His rapid rise has already brought victories over established stars, deep Grand Slam runs and a place among the sport’s leading young players. But the defeat to Buyunchaokete serves as a reminder that life on the ATP Tour comes with difficult lessons as well as spectacular breakthroughs.
Jodar has previously spoken about the importance of learning from every new experience on Tour. His first US Open main-draw campaign has ended far earlier than expected, but the challenge now will be to turn this disappointment into another step in his development.
Buyunchaokete Gets Another Chance
The Chinese player’s US Open adventure is far from over.
After completing one of the tournament’s biggest first-round surprises, Buyunchaokete will face American wildcard Michael Zheng in the second round. Zheng advanced after defeating Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in straight sets.
For a player who entered New York only because another competitor withdrew, the opportunity is already proving to be much bigger than expected.
What began as a lucky escape from qualifying has now become a genuine Grand Slam breakthrough. And after dismantling a 12th seed in ruthless fashion, Buyunchaokete has every reason to believe his US Open story could have another chapter.
Key Takeaways
Buyunchaokete defeated 12th seed Rafael Jodar 6-2, 6-1, 6-1.
Jodar won only four games in the match.
The Chinese player entered the main draw as a lucky loser.
It was Buyunchaokete’s first Grand Slam main-draw victory.
Jodar’s impressive 2026 season suffered its most severe setback.
Buyunchaokete advances to the second round to face Michael Zheng.
The match was initially scheduled for Tuesday but was delayed by rain in New York.
Source: ATP Tour, US Open 2026 match report and tournament information. ATP Tour – Buyunchaokete defeats Rafael .
