Cincinnati Open heat prompts medical response

Heat and a mid match collapse raise concerns about player safety at the Cincinnati Open.

Cincinnati Open player collapses on court as medics rush in

Arthur Rinderknech collapsed on court during his third-round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime as temperatures rose to about 32C. After dropping the first set, he paused, then fell to the back of the court and eventually retired with Auger-Aliassime leading 7-6(4) 4-2. Medics treated him on court with ice and towels, and Rinderknech was later attended to at his chair. The incident comes amid a string of heat-related struggles at Cincinnati, where a 10-minute break between sets two and three is allowed under the event's heat rule. The episode follows other players who have battled the heat this week, including Daniil Medvedev and Cameron Norrie.

Extreme heat tests more than athleticism. It exposes gaps in scheduling, cooling, and medical readiness, and it pushes players toward decisions that balance risk and competition. Tournaments are likely to face renewed pressure to tighten cooling zones, expand shade and water access, and consider earlier starts when heat peaks. Fans and broadcasters should acknowledge the real health risk while recognizing the sport's demand for endurance is not going away. Safety must lead the pace over showmanship.

Highlights

The heat safety debate is just beginning.