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Terence Atmane clashes with physio during US Open loss
A first-round match at the 2026 US Open between Terence Atmane and Jaume Munar turned into a highly controversial five-set battle lasting nearly five hours. After leading by two sets, Atmane suffered severe muscle cramps that significantly hindered his movement and performance.
During the fifth set, Atmane requested medical assistance, but the on-court physiotherapist refused to provide treatment. The refusal was based on ATP regulations, which state that medical time-outs are not permitted for muscle cramps, as they are categorized as physical exhaustion rather than acute injuries. This led to a heated verbal confrontation, with Atmane shouting, “It’s my body, right?” and insisting he was experiencing “pain, not cramps.”
As the match progressed, Atmane attempted to compensate for his physical limitations by using underarm serves and even switching to his right hand to serve, despite being a left-handed player. Ultimately, Munar completed the comeback, winning the match 6-7, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6, 7-5. The incident has sparked debate regarding the consistency of medical rule enforcement and the distinction between cramping and acute injury.
Entities
ATP · Arthur Rinderknech · Jaume Munar · Terence Atmane · US Open
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Munar played the match with a bandage on his right ankle. www.marca.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jaume Munar stated he has faced months of low preparation and difficulty feeling like a professional tennis player. okdiario.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] A tournament physiotherapist refused to treat Atmane, determining his issue was related to cramps. okdiario.com · tenisbrasil.uol.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Jaume Munar defeated Terence Atmane in a five-set match at the US Open. okdiario.com · tenisbrasil.uol.com.br · www.marca.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Munar will face Arthur Rinderknech in the third round. www.marca.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The match lasted 4 hours and 54 minutes. tenisbrasil.uol.com.br · www.marca.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The final score was 6-7(5), 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(4), 7-5 in favor of Munar. okdiario.com · tenisbrasil.uol.com.br · www.marca.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Terence Atmane argued with a physiotherapist, claiming his condition was pain rather than cramps to qualify for treatment. tenisbrasil.uol.com.br