WATCH: Tennis star collapses during Miami Open qualifier as opponent admits ‘I didn’t see him fall’

Shahida Jacobs
Arthur Cazaux during a tennis match
Arthur Cazaux of France in action

French tennis star Arthur Cazaux gave the tennis community a big scare on Monday when he collapsed during his Miami Open qualifier.

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 Celsius.

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.

With Mayot preparing to serve with the score 30-30, Cazaux’s legs gave way.

The 21-year-old – who complained about cramp earlier in the match – remained on the ground for several seconds before the umpire got down from his chair to check on him while a medic eventually rushed over.

After receiving treatment for a few minutes Cazaux was escorted out of Stadium 2 on a wheelchair and it was later confirmed it was not too serious.

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.

The 22-year-old added: “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.”