Frenchman Terence Atmane was forced to retire mid-match in the first round at the ATP Shanghai Masters after experiencing alarming physical symptoms. The 23-year-old had started well against Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli, going up an early break and even holding a break point for a double-break lead. But despite the strong opening, Atmane’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he retired at with the score at 4-4.
Atmane’s On-Court Ordeal
After the match, Atmane shared a detailed message on social media explaining what had happened. He revealed that from the very first point his hands were shaking, and soon he began to feel suffocated and disoriented.
“I immediately felt my entire body shaking and I was suffocating after every point… My body sent me a signal, the signal to stop this immediately,” Atmane wrote. “It was impossible for me to remember where I was. I’m still confused about what happened today.”
He described struggling to breathe, being unable to form words when the physio arrived, and panicking on court. Atmane admitted he does not remember much of what followed, but confirmed he would take some time off before returning to competition.
Weather and Scheduling Taking Their Toll
Atmane’s experience is part of a growing trend on the ATP Tour, where extreme weather conditions and a relentless calendar have pushed players to their limits. Several stars have spoken out about the physical and mental strain of the nearly 11-month-long season, where packed schedules and tough conditions make recovery difficult. It would of course be inappropriate to speculate, but regardless of whether Atmane’s experience was due to mental or physical issues, it should be deeply concerning for the sport’s authorities.
A Breakout 2025 Season
While Shanghai ended abruptly, 2025 has been Atmane’s strongest year to date. He reached the Cincinnati Masters semifinals and the round of 16 in Beijing, both times losing to world #2 Jannik Sinner. These results underline his ability to compete with top players and show significant progress in his career. For now, one expects that Atmane’s focus will be on recovery, but his performances this season suggest that once healthy, he can continue building on the momentum he has created.
Main photo credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
