Czech player collapses after five-hour French Open match in heat

A 20-year-old player collapsed immediately after securing victory in a five-set match that lasted four hours and 41 minutes at the French Open on Wednesday. The player needed eight match points to win 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (13/11) against an opponent on court 6, which was fully exposed to the sun.

Temperatures were above 30 degrees Celsius. "It's insane to play in this weather, especially in front of the sun, to be there for more than four and a half hours, it's just insane," the player told reporters after the match.

Match conditions and recovery The player said the one-minute changeover time left little opportunity to cool down, noting that ball boys could not bring towels during play. The player also said the referee's response after the match would not be discussed further.

Medical staff assisted the player on court after the collapse. The player reported feeling better after 30 minutes in the locker room and is scheduled to play again on Friday. The opponent in the next match received a walkover in the second round after an opponent withdrew due to injury.