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Jakub Mencic described the playing conditions at the French Open as “insane” after he collapsed on court in a tragic scene at Roland-Garros.
An unseasonal heatwave in Paris made things challenging for the players on the first four days and 26th seed Mencic was in real trouble after battling past Mariano Navone 6-3 2-6 6-4 1-6 7-6 (13-11) in an epic four hours and 41 minutes.
Mencic was clearly cramping his leg before serving the final point, but managed to hit a forehand winner before hitting the ground.
The 20-year-old Czech, who was the last man to beat world number one Janic Cenaar in Doha in February, then lay on the court for several minutes unable to get up.
He was attended by medical staff, who placed ice towels on his neck and chest and an ice pack on his forehead before finally helping him to his feet.
Mencic walked off the court but only took a few steps back toward the locker room when he again saw a near fall and was placed in a wheelchair.
‘My body shut down’
He recovered enough to speak at a press conference several hours later, saying: “My body shut down.
“It’s crazy to play in this weather and especially in front of the sun. To be out there for more than four-and-a-half hours, it’s just crazy.
“Even after a break, you don’t have that much time. You only have a minute, which when you sit down is already only 30 seconds. There’s not that much time to calm yourself down.”
Mencic was penalized several times for taking too long between points, resulting in twice losing his first serve, much to the Czech’s dismay,
Officials tended to Mensik after he was unable to get back to his feet
He said, today the referee, what happened after the match, I will keep it to myself, but the behavior, I don’t respect it.
Mencic is hopeful he will be able to recover in time to take on Alex de Minaur in the third round, saying: “In the locker (room) I went to the ice bath and after that I also went to the gym to recover some, so I’d say I’m feeling pretty good, going to get the energy back now, a lot of fluids, and I’m fine.”
Temperatures stayed in the mid-30s all week, and the outdoor courts, especially at Roland-Garros, offered virtually no shade.
Former finalist Kasper Ruud felt he came close to heatstroke during his first-round match on Monday against Roman Safiulin.
The Norwegian eventually managed to recover and reach the second round, but he later said: “I was really dizzy and really tired at times and walking around almost like a zombie.”
Temperatures reached 45 degrees Celsius at the Australian Open this year and play on the outdoor courts was suspended twice.
Novak Djokovic believes that Grand Slam matches should not be played in extreme conditions, saying: “It shouldn’t be a problem with Grand Slams, usually, because we have so many courts.
“We’ve got the lights. You can reschedule them and still have stadium crowds and everything.”
Temperatures are not expected to cool in Paris until Sunday, with some rain forecast for a second week.
Court six, the scene of Mencic’s difficulties, proved even more unfortunate for American Hayley Baptiste, who trailed 5-4 to Wang Siu after landing awkwardly on her left foot and having to leave the court in a wheelchair.
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