Munar Rallies From 2 Sets Down to Beat Atmane 7-5 in 5th as Cramp Row Erupts
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 30
Munar Rallies From 2 Sets Down to Beat Atmane 7-5 in 5th as Cramp Row Erupts
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 30
Summary
Jaume Munar completed a 6-7(5), 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(4), 7-5 comeback after Térence Atmane, leading by two sets and a break, was crippled by leg cramps in the first round.
At 2-1 in the fifth set, Atmane called for the trainer again, but treatment was refused after the evaluation because medical timeouts are not allowed for cramps; Atmane insisted repeatedly that it was pain, not cramp.
From 1-0, 40-40 in the third set, Atmane won only six points as he resorted to underarm and forehand serves, took delay penalties and a code violation, and struggled to move.
Munar repeatedly pressed the chair umpire to enforce rules on delays and coaching, saying he wanted warnings applied correctly, while confusion over cramp-treatment rules again became part of the match.
The episode echoed Carlos Alcaraz's cramp controversy at the 2026 Australian Open semifinals and highlighted how subjective evaluations leave players, officials and fans unclear on when treatment is permitted.