Photo via Yahoo Sports

“Absolutely Ridiculous” – Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Brad Gilbert & Rennae Stubbs Shocked By Dangerous Shanghai Masters Incident

Former US Open champion Coco Gauff’s coaching circle has sharply criticized French tennis player Terence Atmane after his explosive outburst during the Shanghai Masters qualifying round. In a match against Australian Bernard Tomic, Atmane lost his temper at 2-2 in the third set, hurling his racket toward the spectator stands following an unforced error.

Though the racket struck the court’s boundary wall and did not reach the crowd, the incident drew immediate backlash from Gauff’s former coach Brad Gilbert and fellow tennis professional Rennae Stubbs, who both argued on social media that Atmane should have faced an automatic default for his dangerous behavior. Gilbert, known for his outspoken views, emphasized the severity of the act, while Stubbs highlighted the narrow escape for the spectators, calling the umpire’s decision to avoid defaulting Atmane ‘absolutely ridiculous.’

Atmane, who had climbed to a career-high ranking of world No. 41 in April but has since fallen to No.

99, later apologized for his actions in an Instagram Story. He acknowledged the pressure of his recent ranking decline and the emotional strain it placed on him, though he stressed that his outburst did not excuse his conduct.

The incident has raised questions about Atmane’s future in the sport, as he remains uncertain whether he will continue competing in the remainder of the 2023 season, citing the need to regroup and reassess his mental and physical state.

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