JAKUB MENSIK collapsed to the ground after winning a near-five hour battle at the French Open.
The Czech star, 20, came through a gruelling five-set war against Mariano Navone on Court 6.
Jakub Mensik collapsed to the ground after winning match point Credit: TNT Sports US
Mensik required extensive medical attention Credit: TNT SPORTS US
With the contest taking place in 33-degree heat and with no shade, Mensik cramped during the fifth set tiebreak.
He somehow managed to come through 13-11 in the breaker to take the match 6-3 2-6 6-4 1-6 7-6 in four hours and 41 minutes.
As soon as the ball left his strings for the forehand winner that ultimately clinched the match, Mensik fell to the ground.
The No26 seed then lay on his back on the clay with his hands covering his face.
He then waved in agony after briefly holding his leg.
Beaten opponent Navone shook the umpire’s hand before sportingly going over to check on Mensik.
The umpire also went over to check on the victorious player, before a physio finally arrived on the scene with Mensik having been down for around a minute.
Mensik was given ice and covered with an umbrella.
Mensik, 20, was seen to by a doctor Credit: TNT SPORTS US
The Czech star won a near-five hour battle Credit: Getty
He was finally able to get up after around 10 minutes of treatment, turning down a wheelchair in order to walk off himself.
Mensik will now face a battle to be fit enough to take part in round three on Friday.
The 6ft 5in star is due to take on No8 seed .
This year’s has so far been uncharacteristically warm due to a heatwave in Paris.
Former finalist Casper Ruud feared that he had suffered heatstroke as he battled through round one.
Ruud said: “As we know, there’s a bit of a heatwave at the moment and that can sometimes cause problems.
“It felt like it was a bit of a kind of heatstroke feeling. I experienced something similar some years ago when I played in Washington DC and I had to retire in the third set because I had that.
“That’s the only time I had that same feeling as I had today in the fourth set where I felt at times really dizzy, really tired and walking around like a zombie almost.”
Casper Ruud struggled in the heat during his first round clash Credit: Getty
Ruud feared that he had suffered heatstroke Credit: Reuters
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
