Tennis star Arthur Cazaux issues medical update after alarming Miami Open collapse
French tennis star Arthur Cazaux has issued a medical update that highlights the concern medical staff has for his condition after he collapsed on court at the Miami Open.
The world No 77 took on his compatriot Harold Mayot in the first round of qualifying for the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in hot conditions with temperatures record above 30 degrees.
Mayot won the opening set before Cazaux won the second set to take the encounter to a decider, but things took a turn for the worst for the latter with the score 2-1 in his favour.
That was when Cazaux fell to the floor and lay there for some time before the umpire and his opponent Mayot were among those who tried to help him.
The 21-year-old was eventually take off court in a wheelchair, with the medical treatment he has received since suggesting there were some concerns over the condition of his heart.
“I have just left the Miami hospital after spending the night there receiving care and a long series of tests,” Cazaux said on Instagram.
“Today my physical condition is better, my tension and my heart have remained stable.”
The incident sparked concerns over heat rules at major tennis events, with the temperatures in Miami regularly moving over 30 degrees in the middle of the day.
The sight of a young and fit player like Cazaux collapsing as he did on court sparked a fresh debate over what temperature is reasonable to play tennis in.
Cazaux is likely to offer up a more detailed account of his experience in the coming days, which is likely to add to that discussion.
READ MORE: Arthur Cazaux’s alarming on-court collapse raises questions about player safety
Meanwhile, Mayot has been quick to reject claims he didn’t do enough to help his compatriot after his collapse.
Mayot initially stayed on his side of the court, but he later made his way to the other side of the court to check on his compatriot.
The world No 141 was criticised on social media for not checking on his opponent, but he put the record straight as extended footage showed that he went to the other side of the court.
In an Instagram post he wrote: “This was my reaction when I realised that it was serious. The match was dense and by the time Arthur falls, I am focused on the next point and didn’t see him falling.
“I went to his side the moment I realised that he was not suffering from simple cramps.
“Arthur and I are childhood friends, and there is only fraternity and respect between us. Whatever happens, it is never satisfying to win a match like this. Get well and come back soon bro ❤️.”
He later wrote on X: “Stop starting a false controversy for nothing. It had been several games since he didn’t feel well and he was starting to cramp.
“I didn’t see him fall and I thought he was lying down because he had a cramp.
“When I understood that it was serious I immediately followed go to him and I was very worried.
“I did my best to help. There is nothing but great friendship and complicity between us and always has been. You need to stop sending your hate all the time. I wish him a good recovery and the best.”