Arthur Rinderknech was forced to retire from his Cincinnati Open third-round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime after collapsing in sweltering conditions.
Idman.biz, citing BBC, reports that the Frenchman, 30, dropped the opening set 7-6 (7-4) and was tied 2-2 in the second when he collapsed near the baseline. Auger-Aliassime and the umpire rushed to his aid before medical staff arrived.
Following treatment with ice packs, Rinderknech attempted to continue but managed only two more games before retiring, sending the Canadian into the last 16. The match lasted nearly two hours in temperatures exceeding 30°C, part of a broader heat challenge for players.
Britain’s Cameron Norrie also struggled physically in a loss to Roberto Bautista Agut earlier in the tournament. Extreme heat has impacted other events this year, including Wimbledon’s hottest opening day and January’s Australian Open, where measures like the Heat Stress Scale aim to protect player health.
Idman.biz
