Controversy Strikes First Round Of French Open After Tennis Player Rips Ball At Fan Out Of Anger

Terence Atmane only received a warning for ripping a ball into the crowd during the First Round of the French Open. The decision to let him play on has sparked controversy across the tennis community.

Some people, including his opponent, believe that the behavior should have been disqualified.

It ultimately came down to the umpire and supervisor’s decision. They chose not to remove him from the full five-set contest.

Fortunately, the decision ultimately did not prove costly. Sebastian Ofner defeated Atmane 3-6, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-2, 7-5 and advanced to the Second Round. He did not agree with the ruling despite the final result.

For me, it was a bit surprising, because if you do something like that on a small court, you have to be punished, you know?

Because it’s not like you hit the ball normally. It was full power. The ball was so fast. Straight in the crowd. There were people disqualified for less.

— Sebastian Ofner

When asked if he received an explanation for the lack of disqualification, Ofner said that

The referee said, “oh, yeah, I was talking with the lady. The lady said at the beginning it was hurting but now it’s fine, and everything was okay. She saw the ball coming. So it’s not enough for disqualification.” I think if he would see how it was, maybe he would decide different. A little bit more unlucky and it’s going directly in the face, and then something can happen (like) a broken nose or whatever.

— Sebastian Ofner

The incident took place during the fourth set on Court 12. Atmante hit a return off Ofner’s serve long.

As the ball returned back to him, he unleashed a reckless forehand into the crowd.