Tennis star collapses mid-match at Miami Open

Mar 19, 2024

A French tennis player collapsed mid-match on court at the Miami Open.

Arthur Cazaux was forced to retire from his qualifier against Harold Mayot on Monday after he fell to the ground during the third set.

Cazaux had levelled the match by winning the second set 7-5 after Mayot took the first 6-4.

Footage posted on social media shows Cazaux fall to the ground as he begins to ready himself for his opponent to serve at 2-1 up in the third set.

In the video, Cazaux, dressed in a white T-shirt and black shorts, goes down to his left and falls on to his back.

It is several seconds before a medic runs into frame, followed by the match umpire.

The 21-year-old was later taken off the court in a wheelchair, handing the win to fellow Frenchman Mayot.

Mayot, who is seen another clip posted on X walking over to check on Cazaux, received criticism on social media for his reaction.

He wrote on X afterwards: “Stop starting a false controversy for nothing.

“It had been several games since he didn’t feel well and he was starting to cramp.

“I didn’t see him fall and I thought he was lying down because he had a cramp.

“When I understood that it was serious I immediately followed go to him and I was very worried.”

He added: “I did my best to help. There is nothing but great friendship and complicity between us and always has been.

“You need to stop sending your hate all the time.

“I wish him a good recovery and the best.”

In a third video posted on X, the match umpire can be heard announcing Cazaux had to retire “due to illness” as the player remains on the ground surrounded by officials and Mayot.

Temperatures reportedly reached 31C (88F) in Florida yesterday.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Mayot will now face Belgium’s David Goffin for a place in the main draw.

Cazaux, at a career high No 74 in the ATP rankings, reached the fourth round of the Australian Open earlier this year.

Read Entire Article