Heatwave at Roland Garros: Mensik’s Collapse Highlights Extreme Conditions

Czech 26th seed Jakub Mensik beat Argentina’s Mariano Navone 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (13-11) in a 4-hour-41-minute second-round match on Court 6. After the final tie-break he suffered full-body cramps and was taken off the court in a wheelchair.

Jakub Mensik French Open Collapse Follows 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (11) Win

Paris endured an unseasonal heatwave during the first four days of the tournament. Temperatures on Mensik’s match day reached 32 °C, with other reports describing “mid-30s”. Meteo-France noted 352 towns set May heat records and 31 departments were on high-temperature alert.

Star hits winner, immediately folds in ‘terrible’ French scene as stars speak over ‘insane’ conditions

Match length: 4 h 41 min; final tie-break 13-11. Ambient temperature: 32 °C (mid-30s in other accounts). Mensik was penalised twice for exceeding the one-minute point interval, losing his first serve each time. 352 towns recorded May heat highs; 31 departments were on alert.

French Open: Jakub Mensik fumes at 'insane' playing conditions after collapsing at scorching Roland-Garros

Mensik said the heat prevented adequate recovery within the one-minute breaks and that the “super-strict” timing left him unable to cool down, though he respected the rules. Novak Djokovic called the conditions “very challenging” and urged that matches on extreme-heat days be shifted later or postponed, citing the availability of lights and multiple courts. Casper Ruud described feeling dizzy and “like a zombie,” indicating heat-related fatigue. Officials issued a warning to Mensik for exceeding the point-interval limit, resulting in a serve penalty.

The Guardian

Players highlighted the lack of cooling measures, noting ball boys cannot bring towels during changeovers and the one-minute interval effectively offers only 30 seconds of rest when seated. Both Djokovic and Mensik advocated schedule changes on extreme-heat days, arguing player safety should supersede strict timing.

The Guardian

Analyst Craig O’Shannessy said Mensik was “covered in clay and looking pretty crook” as he was carried off. Fox Sports video showed paramedics wheeling him through the crowd while staff applied ice towels to his neck, chest and forehead.

Star hits winner, immediately folds in ‘terrible’ French scene as stars speak over ‘insane’ conditions

Sources list temperatures as either 32 °C or “mid-30s”. No official heat-postponement policy was cited, leaving unclear criteria for delaying matches.

Star hits winner, immediately folds in ‘terrible’ French scene as stars speak over ‘insane’ conditions

• “It’s insane to play in this weather and especially in front of the sun.” — Jakub Mensik, 26th seed, Czech Republic

French Open: Jakub Mensik fumes at 'insane' playing conditions after collapsing at scorching Roland-Garros

• “The ball boy cannot bring you a towel during the changeover.” — Jakub Mensik, 26th seed, Czech Republic

The Guardian

• “If you have certain days that you have extreme heat and conditions, then maybe that’s something to consider.” — Novak Djokovic, 3rd seed, Serbia

The Guardian

• “I felt at times really dizzy and just really tired and walking around like a zombie almost.” — Casper Ruud, 2nd seed, Norway

Star hits winner, immediately folds in ‘terrible’ French scene as stars speak over ‘insane’ conditions

Mensik will meet 8th seed Alex de Minaur in the third round; Djokovic faces João Fonseca. Organisers have been urged to review heat-related scheduling ahead of the remaining matches.

Jakub Mensik French Open Collapse Follows 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (11) Win