Monday was a hot day at tennis’ US Open in New York’s Flushing Meadows, with temperatures still around 83 degrees Fahrenheit at 7 p.m. and 71 percent humidity. And that heat led to some concerns for 18-year-old Canadian player Felix Auger-Aliassime in his first-round match Monday night against fellow Canadian Denis Shapovalov. The two players split the first two sets, with Shapovalov bouncing back from a 2-5 deficit in the first and Auger-Aliassime recovering from a 1-4 deficit in the second, but after Auger-Aliassime fell behind 0-2 in the third set, he laid down on the court and needed some treatment for the heat:
🇨🇦Felix Auger-Aliassime laying down on the court. Calls for a trainer.
Shapovalov clearly concerned about his friend and opponent. Felix grabbing at his heart.
Scary scene in New York right now. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/Adimyd6piR
— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) August 27, 2018
Felix Auger-Aliassime struggling on a warm, humid day where the heat rule has come into play.
They were trying to get his heart rate down. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/nbu3LJEFYd
— Abigail Johnson (@abigailtennis) August 27, 2018
Over on Grandstand, trouble for Felix Auger-Aliassime, who is maybe feeling faint as he's lying on the court with his legs on the chair and having his pulse taken. Still very humid and a new experience for the 18yo
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) August 27, 2018
Felix is standing up now.
Trainers are pouring cold water over his neck and face.
“We’re trying to get his heart rate down” says one of the trainers. #USOpen
— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) August 27, 2018
Auger-Aliassime was able to recover and continue the match briefly, even winning that game to reduce the deficit to 2-1, but then he eventually retired in tears.
Heartbreaking scene in New York as Felix Auger-Aliassime retires after heart issues at the #USOpen.
Starts to cry as he comes together at the net with his Canadian friend and teammate, @denis_shapo pic.twitter.com/Ik4wc3FQCM
— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) August 27, 2018
“It’s actually really tough to see him go down like this,” says Shapovalov.
“I told him at the net we’re going to be back here and we’re going to have so many of these.” @cbcsports
— Devin Heroux (@Devin_Heroux) August 27, 2018
That’s certainly a frightening and unfortunate moment, and one you don’t want to see.
[Photo via Abigail Johnson on Twitter]
