Térence Atmane engaged in a heated exchange with a U.S. Open trainer during his first-round match on Sunday, after the trainer declined to provide treatment for what Atmane insisted was a leg injury, not cramps. The incident occurred on Court 13 as Atmane faced Spain's Jaume Munar.
Atmane, who was leading by two sets and a break, suddenly experienced pain in his upper right leg and hobbled between points. He called for a trainer and received initial treatment. However, when the issue resurfaced in the deciding fifth set, with Munar serving at 2-1, the trainer refused to administer further aid.
"Excuse me, can you please give me treatment and stop acting stupid? Is it possible to have some common sense?" Atmane argued, stressing that he was experiencing "pain," not cramps. He repeatedly asked the trainer to "stop acting stupid and treat me, I have pain, p-a-i-n."
Under tournament rules, medical timeouts are not permitted for cramps. Treatment for cramps is limited to three 60-second visits during changeovers. However, the distinction between a muscle injury and cramps can be subjective, leading to contentious situations.
The trainer ultimately left without treating Atmane. In response, the 24-year-old Frenchman asked for the trainer's credentials and name, which the trainer declined to provide. Atmane was seen underhand serving later in the match due to his leg issue and was also cautioned for taking too long to serve and for conversing with his team.
Munar eventually won the match with a score of 6-7(5), 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(4), 7-5. The loss marked an early exit for Atmane from the U.S. Open.
This situation echoes a similar incident at the Australian Open earlier in the year, when Carlos Alcaraz cramped during his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev. Zverev questioned the treatment Alcaraz received, suggesting it was for cramps, while Alcaraz maintained he felt it was a specific muscle issue. Alcaraz went on to win that match and the tournament.