Ekaterina Alexandrova needed a wheelchair to help her off court in Memphis after collapsing during her first-round match at the Memphis Classic. The world number 19 retired from the contest because of the high temperatures, with Russian Alexandrova trailing 7-6 (7-2) 4-6 5-4 against 16-year-old compatriot Kristina Liutova in 34C heat.
The match was first paused as Alexandrova attempted to continue, before she was given a time violation for taking too long to serve while struggling. But in the middle of the next point, Alexandrova fell to the ground and needed immediate medical attention.
The 31-year-old was able to stand but could not continue, and she forfeited the match after it had lasted more than three hours.
Liutova was awarded victory in her debut match on the WTA Tour, but the teenager was left in tears on court amid the chaotic situation.
How did Venus Williams fare in Washington DC?
Venus Williams lost in the first round of the Mubadala DC Open in Washington DC on Tuesday. The 46-year-old, whose last singles win came at this event last year, was beaten 6-3 6-3 by Austria's Anastasia Potapova.
Williams won 78.4% of her first serve points but just 24.1% from her second serve, and 20% of her returns.
Key Facts
- Ekaterina Alexandrova collapsed on court in Memphis and retired from her first-round match at the Memphis Classic.
- The world number 19 was trailing 7-6 (7-2) 4-6 5-4 against 16-year-old Kristina Liutova in 34C temperatures.
- Liutova won her debut match on the WTA Tour.
- Venus Williams lost 6-3 6-3 to Anastasia Potapova in the first round of the Mubadala DC Open.
- Williams’ last singles win at the event came last year.
