Tennis star collapses on court in distressing scenes as WTA match is abandoned

WTA world number 19 Ekaterina Alexandrova was forced to withdraw from her Memphis Classic first-round match against Kristina Liutova after collapsing on court.

Alexandrova, 31, who entered the tournament as the number one seed, was behind against her compatriot when she was taken ill due to the high temperatures.

Temperatures reached 34 degrees Celsius on court, with Alexandrova, who was 5-4 down in the third hour of play, collapsing during the third set.

After collapsing, medics rushed to the 31-year-old’s aid while her 16-year-old opponent was visibly upset as she watched on.

Despite receiving medical attention, Alexandrova could not continue and, as a result, Liutova was awarded the first tour-level win of her career.

Fans reacted to the bizarre scenes on social media.

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One said: “Big moment for Liutova. But what a disaster Alexandrova's match was, 15 double faults, only 53% first serves, and she gave up 21 BP chances to a 16-year-old player, a really bad year for Alexandrova so far.”

Another added: “Heartbreaking for Alexandrova, but what a stunning debut win for 16-year-old Liutova in brutal heat!”

A third wrote: “It’s been such a tough season for Ekaterina Alexandrova. She’s one of my favourites, so it’s really tough seeing her like this.”

While a fourth commented: “Ekaterina Alexandrova had to be taken off the court in a wheelchair. I hope she’s okay.”

Liutova became just the second player born in 2010 to win a tour-level match, with Brazil's Nauhany Vitória Leme da Silva having become the first in September last year.

Liutova will face American Maya Joint in the round of 16.

Elsewhere, 46-year-old Venus Williams lost 6-3, 6-3 to Anastasia Potapova at the WTA Mubadala DC Open in Washington, marking the veteran's ninth straight singles loss of 2026 and her 12th consecutive defeat overall, including results from 2025.

Potapova faces Diana Shnaider in the second round of the WTA 500 event.

What do WTA rules say about extreme heat?

Ahead of the 2026 campaign, new ATP- and WTA-approved rules relating to extreme heat were introduced based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT).

Under the ATP's key provisions, a 10-minute cooling break is implemented when the WBGT reaches 30.1°C or higher during the first two sets of best-of-three singles matches, with both players able to request a cooling break.

If the WBGT exceeds 32.2°C, play will be suspended.