Terence Atmane has released an apology statement on social media after he was nearly disqualified during his first-round match.

Atmane furiously flung a ball into the crowd which hit a spectator, though only received a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Many had called for him to be disqualified, but he played on to be defeated by Sebastian Ofner.

“Just to come back to what happened last night regarding the mini drama I’m facing,” he began on his Instagram story.

“After losing the 3rd set and leading 4/1 in the 4th, Sebastian saves a break point and just as he sends the ball back to me I have a moment of frustration and decide to send the ball into the net out of frustration… Problem: I broke my string at the same moment and found myself watching my ball cross the court and go straight into the leg of a spectator…

“Of course, my first instinct would have been to go and apologize, but I was so shocked and disoriented by my action that no reaction came to mind… like a blackout where my brain switches off and I can’t think of anything else – anything.

“I’m working very hard on myself mentally and people who know me know that I’ve made enormous progress in terms of frustration and stress management, even if I’m far from perfect. Stress that 6 months ago was causing me to lose between 4 and 6kg per tournament.

“This gesture, which I’m sure you’ve seen on the media, was not intentional, so please forgive me for my emotional outburst and, above all, I’d like to apologize personally to the lady

“I’m currently looking for with my agent and the tournament organizers, so that I can tell her straight to her face and offer her one of my signed rackets (if she accepts the offer, of course).

“I will assume the financial consequences of my actions with the tournament. I’m writing this with tears in my eyes because I’m an extremely sensitive person and finding myself in this kind of situation affects me deeply. I sincerely hope my message will be heard.”