French Open star collapses and needs wheelchair to come off court

Visibly suffering from severe cramps before the final point, Mensik managed to strike a forehand winner before collapsing onto the court surface.

The young talent remained motionless for several minutes as medical personnel rushed to assist him, applying ice packs to his head, neck and chest.

After eventually being helped upright, Mensik attempted to walk towards the locker room but faltered again and was placed in a wheelchair.

Speaking at a press conference several hours after his ordeal, Mensik described the playing conditions as extreme.

"It's insane to play in this weather and especially in front of the sun," he said. "To be there for more than four and a half hours, that's just insane."

The Czech expressed frustration at the limited recovery time available during changeovers, noting that players have just one minute which effectively becomes 30 seconds once seated.

"There is not that much time to cool yourself down," he added.

Mensik also voiced displeasure at receiving time violation penalties, losing his first serve twice for taking too long between points.

A MENSIK SE LO LLEVARON EN SILLAS DE RUEDAS DE LA CANCHA ‼️ pic.twitter.com/HfGBrif9j6

— Solo Tenis Picks🇦🇷 / Apuestas Deportivas Free (@solotenispicks) May 27, 2026

As temperatures reached 32C, he revealed he began feeling unwell on court and could no longer properly hydrate, causing his body to shut down.

Novak Djokovic has urged tournament organisers to apply common sense when scheduling matches during periods of extreme heat.

The Serbian veteran, who spent nearly four hours on court during his own second-round victory over Valentin Royer, believes grand slam events have the resources to adapt.

"With grand slams, it shouldn't be an issue, generally, because we have so many courts," Djokovic said. "We have lights. You can reschedule them and still have the crowd in the stadium and everything."

The 39-year-old's comments reflect growing concern among players about competing in dangerous conditions.

Roland Garros' outer courts, where Mensik was competing, offer virtually no shade from the relentless sun.

Mensik was not the only competitor to suffer in the unseasonable heatwave that has gripped Paris throughout the opening week.

Former finalist Casper Ruud experienced similar difficulties during his first-round encounter against Roman Safiullin on Monday.

The Norwegian, who came close to heatstroke, described his condition during the match in stark terms.

"I felt at times really dizzy and just really tired and walking around like a zombie almost," Ruud said afterwards.

Despite his struggles, the Norwegian managed to recover and progress to the second round.

Temperatures have remained in the mid-30s throughout the tournament's first four days, with conditions particularly punishing on the venue's outer courts.

Relief is expected from Sunday, when forecasters predict cooler weather and some rainfall for the second week of competition.