Kokkinakis clashes with Munar in fiery Madrid Open post-match dust-up
Australian star confronts opponent after tense three-set battle
Madrid, Spain – Tempers flared at the Madrid Open on Tuesday as Thanasi Kokkinakis and Jaume Munar engaged in a heated exchange after their fiery third-round clash.
The pair had battled it out in a thrilling three-setter, with Kokkinakis ultimately prevailing 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-3. However, the tension between the players lingered after the final point, spilling over into a verbal altercation once they reached the net to shake hands.
According to reports, Kokkinakis accused Munar of unsportsmanlike conduct during the match, specifically referencing an incident in the second set where the Spaniard appeared to deliberately hit a ball at his opponent. Munar denied the allegations, leading to an increasingly heated exchange that required intervention from tournament officials.
The incident overshadowed what had been an entertaining and closely contested match. Kokkinakis, the 26-year-old Australian, had come into the tournament in impressive form, having reached the semifinals at the recent Monte Carlo Masters. Munar, the 25-year-old Spaniard, had also been playing well, winning back-to-back tournaments on the ATP Challenger Tour prior to arriving in Madrid.
The clash between the two players has added further intrigue to the Madrid Open, which is one of the most prestigious events on the ATP calendar. The tournament continues through Sunday, with the top players in the world vying for the title.
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