Jakub Mensik Collapses After Marathon Win as Extreme Heat Grips French Open

Posted : 28 May 2026

Czech tennis player Jakub Mensik collapsed on court after completing a punishing second-round victory at the French Open, as soaring temperatures in Paris pushed athletes to their physical limits.

The 20-year-old defeated Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (13-11) in a match lasting four hours and 41 minutes. Under intense mid-30s Celsius heat, Mensik battled severe cramping and exhaustion, requiring eight match points before finally sealing the win.

Immediately after the match point, Mensik fell to the ground, visibly overwhelmed. His opponent Navone crossed the net to assist and congratulate him, but the Czech player was unable to stand unaided. Medical staff quickly rushed in, placing ice packs on his head, neck, and chest in an effort to cool him down.

Tournament staff kept him on court for several minutes as he lay recovering, even providing an ice pack as a headrest. Although he eventually managed to get up with assistance, he struggled again while being escorted toward the locker room and was later moved in a wheelchair for further treatment.

Mensik later explained that his body essentially shut down after the emotional release of winning such a demanding match. He described the playing conditions as extremely harsh, noting the lack of shade on outer courts and the limited time players are given to recover between points during long rallies.

He also expressed frustration over receiving time violations during the match, saying the strict timing rules made it even harder to manage recovery in the heat.

Elsewhere at Roland Garros, players continued to battle difficult conditions. Three-time champion Novak Djokovic spent nearly four hours on court before defeating French opponent Valentin Royer in four sets, later suggesting that Grand Slam schedules may need to adapt by allowing more evening matches during extreme weather.

Women’s 15th seed Marta Kostyuk also highlighted the punishing dryness and constant need for hydration, while former finalist Casper Ruud said he felt disoriented and feared heatstroke earlier in the tournament.

Meanwhile, second seed Alexander Zverev avoided the worst of the conditions by playing in the cooler night session, securing a comfortable straight-sets win over Tomas Machac.

French Open organisers continue to monitor conditions using heat sensors, with rules in place that allow for extended breaks or even suspension if temperatures reach dangerous thresholds. Despite these safeguards, no match at Roland Garros has ever been stopped due to extreme heat, even as players increasingly voice concerns about safety and scheduling in such conditions.

Jakub Mensik Collapses After Marathon Win as Extreme Heat Grips French Open

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