In a massive upset at the US Open, China's Buyunchaokete dismantled Spain's Rafael Jodar in straight sets. Jodar, a standout performer this season, managed to win only four games in a dominant display by the Chinese star.

  • Buyunchaokete defeated Rafael Jodar 6-2, 6-1, 6-1.
  • World No. 13 Jodar suffered his heaviest defeat of the 2026 season.
  • Buyunchaokete secured his first-ever second-round appearance at a Grand Slam.
  • Spain's Daniel Merida also secured a major upset by defeating Andrey Rublev.

NEW YORK: The US Open witnessed a seismic shift in momentum on Wednesday as China's Buyunchaokete delivered a masterclass performance to eliminate the highly-touted Spaniard Rafael Jodar. In a match that was rescheduled due to rain, Jodar struggled to find any rhythm, winning a mere four games in a crushing 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 defeat.

The 19-year-old Jodar has been the breakout sensation of the 2026 ATP Tour, climbing from outside the Top 100 to the doorstep of the Top 10. However, his stellar run through Marrakech, Washington, and Roland Garros came to a grinding halt in New York. The 12th seed appeared uncharacteristically off-form, struggling against the relentless precision of Buyunchaokete.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the transition from Challenger-level success to Grand Slam dominance is often fraught with psychological hurdles. For a player like Jodar, who is navigating the steep learning curve of the professional tour, such a heavy defeat serves as a critical litmus test for his mental resilience.

"I'm new on the tour. There are going to be things like this because I'm new. I just try to learn from it so it doesn't happen again," a humbled Jodar remarked during his post-match press conference.

Statistically, the match was a mismatch. Jodar committed 37 unforced errors compared to just 15 winners, failing to exert any pressure on Buyunchaokete's service games. For Buyunchaokete, currently ranked 124th, this victory marks his first tour-level win of the year and his third career victory against a Top-20 opponent.

While Jodar fell, Spanish tennis celebrated another triumph as Daniel Merida stunned 23rd seed Andrey Rublev in a four-set battle. Additionally, Australian stalwart Alex de Minaur continued his strong campaign with a decisive victory over Italian qualifier Andrea Guerrieri.

Did You Know?: Buyunchaokete has won two ATP Challenger titles in 2026, proving his readiness for the main ATP Tour stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What was the final score of the Buyunchaokete vs Jodar match?
Answer: Buyunchaokete won in straight sets: 6-2, 6-1, 6-1.

Question 2: Who did Daniel Merida defeat at the US Open?
Answer: Daniel Merida defeated the 23rd seed Andrey Rublev.