Jakub Mensik collapsed on court after winning his second-round match at the French Open. The Czech player beat Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-3 2-6 6-4 1-6 7-6 (13-11) in a gruelling encounter.
The high temperatures in Paris also tested Novak Djokovic, as the heatwave in France continued.
Mensik Overcome by Heat and Cramp
Mensik, aged 20, was overcome with emotion and cramp after his victory. He fell to the floor after needing eight match points to secure the win against Navone.
Navone helped his opponent after he fell. However, Mensik was unable to move.
Medical staff attended to Mensik, placing ice packs on his head, neck and chest. An ice pack was also used as a pillow for his head.
Mensik was eventually helped to his feet but struggled as he headed towards the locker room. He was then taken away in a wheelchair.
It is unclear whether he will recover in time for his third-round match against Alex de Minaur.
Djokovic Battles Through
Djokovic faced Valentin Royer on Court Philippe Chatrier and won 6-3 6-2 6-7 (7-9) 6-3. Greg Rusedski noted Djokovic was breathing hard at the end of the match.
Rusedski added that Djokovic would need to raise his level to progress further.
Extreme Heat Measures
Temperatures reached the mid-30s in Celsius. Mensik was competing on one of the outer courts at Roland Garros, which offer no shade.
French Open organisers monitor the temperature using wet bulb sensors. A 10-minute break may be introduced after the second set of women’s matches and the third set of men’s matches if a threshold is reached.
Matches can be suspended if temperatures continue to rise. No French Open match has ever been halted because of extreme heat.
Casper Ruud said he felt he was “walking around like a zombie” and feared he had heat stroke after struggling with cramping in 33C temperatures on Monday.
Jakub Mensik is into the French Open third round for the first time.