World number 19 Ekaterina Alexandrova was forced to retire from her opening match at the Memphis Classic after collapsing on court in sweltering conditions. The Russian top seed was battling 16-year-old compatriot Kristina Liutova when the intense heat took its toll during the three-hour contest.

With temperatures reaching 34 degrees Celsius, Alexandrova was leading 7-6 (7-2), 4-6, 5-4 when she began struggling to continue. The match was briefly paused as she attempted to recover, but moments later she fell to the ground during the next point and required immediate medical attention.

The 31-year-old was able to get back on her feet but could not continue, handing Liutova a victory in her first appearance on the WTA Tour. The teenager was left emotional on court as the unexpected ending unfolded.

The incident once again highlights the physical challenges tennis players face when competing in extreme weather conditions, with player safety becoming a major concern during high-temperature events.