Controversy erupted at the 2024 French Open during Terence Atmane and Sebastian Ofner’s first-round match. As Atmane’s frustration mounted, his display of frustration found a spectator in the stands as its target, sparking a contentious dispute.

Home favorite Atmane gave the French fans much to cheer for as he made a strong start to the contest, taking the opening set 6-3. The 22-year-old then clinched the second set 6-4, putting himself on the brink of reaching the second round of the French Open for the first time.

However, Ofner staged an impressive comeback in the third set, edging past the Frenchman in the tiebreak to win 7-6 (2). The Austrian then rushed away to a 4-1 lead in the fourth set. As Atmane lost the opportunity to hold a break point at 15-30, 4-1, he struck a ball into the crowd in a show of frustration, hitting a woman in the leg.

Although Terence Atmane did not approach the injured woman, tournament officials were quick to check on her. After conversing with the lady, the officials also spoke to Sebastian Ofner, who argued that the Frenchman should be disqualified for his actions.

However, after a lengthy discussion between the umpire and the supervisor, Atmane avoided disqualification and only received a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Despite the controversy, Ofner maintained his focus to clinch the fourth set 6-2 and force a decider. The Austrian held onto his nerve in the fifth set, narrowly edging past Atmane to claim a remarkable 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2, 7-5 victory.

Sebastian Ofner on Terence Atmane escaping disqualification in French Open 1R: “It was surprising… there were people disqualified for less”

Sebastian Ofner addressed the controversy after his victory in the first round of the 2024 French Open, expressing surprise at Terence Atmane escaping disqualification for the incident.

The Austrian emphasized that players have been defaulted for less egregious actions, arguing that Atmane’s forceful shot was deserving of punishment, especially when playing on a small court.

“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,” he said (via Newsday).

Following his win over Terence Atmane, Sebastian Ofner will take on Sebastian Baez or Gustavo Heide in the second round of the French Open.