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Arthur Rinderknech received ice packs in an attempt to lower his body temperature after collapsing on court.
Amidst scorching conditions, Arthur Rinderknech collapsed on the court, leading to his retirement from the Cincinnati Open third-round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Rinderknech conceded the first set 7-6 (7-4), and with the score tied at 2-2 in the second, he collapsed near the baseline as Auger-Aliassime of Canada prepared to serve.
Auger-Aliassime and the chair umpire promptly attended to the Frenchman, followed by the arrival of medical personnel.
The 30-year-old, who had been competing for nearly two hours, underwent a cooling break, applying ice packs to his neck and legs before initially indicating his readiness to continue.
However, he persevered for only two additional games before withdrawing, thereby advancing Auger-Aliassime to the round of 16.
Players have been visibly challenged by the heat throughout the tournament, with temperatures consistently exceeding 30C.
Britain’s Cameron Norrie appeared unwell and profusely perspired during his second-round defeat to veteran Roberto Bautista Agut on Sunday.
Wimbledon experienced its hottest opening day in June, with temperatures reaching 32.3C. Carlos Alcaraz’s five-set first-round win over Fabio Fognini was completed following a 15-minute pause in the deciding set, after a spectator sitting in the sun was taken ill.
The Australian Open in January also featured sweltering conditions with temperatures nearing 34C.
Organizers implemented the Australian Open Heat Stress Scale in 2019 to meticulously monitor conditions and minimize risks to players’ health.
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