Jakub Mensik fumes at ‘insane’ playing conditions during scorching French Open
Jakub Mensik branded playing conditions at the French Open “insane” after he collapsed on court in distressing scenes at Roland Garros.
An unseasonal heatwave in Paris has made things challenging for players during the first four days 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 prior to serving the final point, but managed to hit a 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.
He had recovered sufficiently to speak at a press conference several hours later, saying: “My body just turned off.
“It’s insane to play in this weather, and especially in front of the sun. To be there for more than four-and-a-half hours, that’s just insane.
“Even with the breaks, you don’t have that much time. You have just one minute, which when you sit it’s already just 30 seconds. There is not that much time to cool yourself down.”
Mensik was penalised several times for taking too long between points, twice losing his first serve as a result, which left the Czech very unhappy,
“The referee today, what happened after the match, I will keep it for myself, but the behaviour, I don’t respect that,” he said.
Mensik is hopeful he will be able to recover in time to take on Alex De Minaur in the third round, saying: “In the locker (room) I went to the ice bath and even after that I went to the gym to do some recovery, so I would say I’m feeling pretty well, it’s just now about to put back the strength, a lot of fluids, and I’ll be OK.”
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.”
The Australian Open this year saw temperatures reach 45C and play was twice suspended on the outside courts.
Novak Djokovic believes matches at grand slams should not be played in extreme conditions, saying: “With grand slams, it shouldn’t be an issue, generally, because we have so many courts.
“We have lights. You can reschedule them and still have the crowd in the stadium and everything.”
Temperatures are not expected to cool in Paris until Sunday, with some rain forecast in the second week.
Court six, the scene of Mensik’s difficulties, proved to be even more unlucky for American Hailey Baptiste, who landed awkwardly on her left leg trailing Wang Xiyu 5-4 and had to be taken off court in a wheelchair.
