Tennis competitor forfeits game at the U.S. Masters tournament due to excessive heat
French tennis player Arthur Rinderknech faced a setback at the 2025 Cincinnati Masters series tournament due to heat-related issues. During his third-round match against Félix Auger-Aliassime, Rinderknech, currently ranked 70th in the world, experienced heat exhaustion.
The extreme heat conditions in Cincinnati, with temperatures reaching 90°F (33°C) and humidity around 50%, took a toll on Rinderknech's physical state. In the second set, after leveling at 2-2, he suddenly collapsed on the court, showing signs of dizziness, disorientation, heavy breathing, and severe fatigue.
Despite receiving medical attention and attempting to continue, Rinderknech was forced to retire from the match two games later due to his condition. The incident sparked debate about the scheduling of matches in such sweltering conditions, highlighting concerns for player safety under extreme heat.
Rinderknech had previously described the playing conditions as "survival" and "not good for the body or the mind" just two days prior to the incident, emphasizing the adverse effects of the heat and humidity at the tournament.
In the first set, Rinderknech lost 6-7 (4-7) before the heat exhaustion incident occurred. No additional information is provided about Andrei Rublev, Daniil Medvedev, or their matches against lower-ranked opponents at the tournament.
After collapsing, Rinderknech lay under the shade with a towel on his head, breathing heavily. Despite the setback, Rinderknech later returned to the court but still retired from the match at 2-4.
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