Czech player Mensik collapses after long French Open win

Czech tennis player Jakub Mensik collapsed on court immediately after winning a grueling second-round match at the French Open on Wednesday, highlighting the extreme physical toll of competing in a Paris heatwave. The 20-year-old, seeded 26th, defeated Argentina's Mariano Navone 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (13-11) in a contest lasting four hours and 41 minutes, the longest of the tournament so far.

Upon hitting a final forehand winner to clinch the match, Mensik fell to the clay on Court 6, an outer court with no shade. He lay on his back for several minutes, unable to stand, while his opponent and the umpire came to check on him. Medical staff attended to the player, applying ice packs to his head, neck, and chest. After several minutes of treatment, Mensik was helped to his feet and walked off the court, but he soon struggled again and was placed in a wheelchair to be taken to the locker room.

In a post-match press conference, Mensik explained that his body shut down after the emotional release of victory. He described the playing conditions as insane, noting the match took place in sweltering heat with temperatures reaching the mid-30s Celsius. He also expressed frustration at...