Jakub Mensik collapses on court amid intense French Open heat

Cramp-stricken Jakub Mensik collapsed on court in distressing scenes after winning his second-round match at the French Open.

An unseasonal heatwave in Paris has made conditions tough for players during the first four days at Roland Garros and 26th seed Mensik was left in real trouble after battling to a 6-3 2-6 6-4 1-6 7-6 (13/11) victory over Mariano Navone in an epic four hours and 41 minutes.

Mensik was clearly cramping in his legs before serving the final point but managed to hit a final forehand winner before dropping to the clay.

The 20-year-old Czech, who was the last man to beat world number one Jannik Sinner in Doha in February, then lay on the court for several minutes, unable to get up.

He was attended to by medical staff, who placed ice towels around his neck and chest and an ice pack on his forehead before eventually helping him to his feet.

Mensik walked off court but had only taken a few steps back towards the locker room when he again looked close to collapse and he was placed in a wheelchair.

Temperatures have been in the mid-30s all week and Roland Garros’ outside courts in particular offer virtually no shade.

Former finalist Casper Ruud felt he was approaching heatstroke during his first-round match on Monday against Roman Safiullin.

The Norwegian eventually managed to recover and reach the second round, but he said afterwards: “I felt at times really dizzy and just really tired and walking around like a zombie almost.”

Temperatures are not expected to cool in Paris until Sunday, with some rain forecast in the second week.