Frenchman Terence Atmane was forced to retire mid-match in the first round\u00a0at the ATP Shanghai Masters after experiencing alarming physical symptoms. The 23-year-old had started well against Argentina\u2019s 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\u2019s condition deteriorated quickly, and he retired at with the score at 4-4.<\/p>\n
After the match, Atmane shared a detailed message on social media<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI immediately felt my entire body shaking and I was suffocating after every point\u2026 My body sent me a signal, the signal to stop this immediately,\u201d Atmane wrote. \u201cIt was impossible for me to remember where I was. I\u2019m still confused about what happened today.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n 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.<\/p>\n Atmane\u2019s 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<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\nWeather and Scheduling Taking Their Toll<\/h4>\n
A Breakout 2025 Season<\/h4>\n