Shock as Top Seed (31) Collapses: Teenage Opponent Also Breaks Down in Tears

Top seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, 31, was just two points away from defeat against 16-year-old Kristina Liutova when she collapsed due to the intense heat. The temperature in Tennessee at the time of the match was around 36 degrees Celsius (97°F), and the contest had already stretched past three hours. Alexandrova began struggling on her own serve, even receiving a time violation for taking too long between points.

A point later, the world No. 19 fell to the ground and immediately received medical attention. She managed to stand briefly but collapsed definitively moments later, requiring a wheelchair to be taken off the court. Her opponent, Liutova, was visibly distressed by her compatriot's withdrawal and burst into tears. At that moment, Liutova was leading 7-6, 4-6, 5-4. Her WTA Tour debut, therefore, ended not with an official victory but with her opponent's retirement.

Alexandrova's collapse and subsequent retirement have immediately sparked debate. This year, the WTA 250 tournament in Memphis replaces the event in Cleveland, a decision that is now being questioned given the average temperature in late July/early August in Memphis is 29 degrees Celsius (84°F). Liutova extended her well wishes to Alexandrova on Instagram, writing, 'Recover quickly and come back stronger.' Liutova, ranked world No. 229, will face Australian Maya Joint in the second round.