Jakub Mensik described the conditions at Roland Garros as “insane” after collapsing from cramps following his five-set victory over Mariano Navone. The 26th seed required a wheelchair to return to the locker room after winning 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (11) in temperatures reaching 32°C.
Mensik, who led two sets to one before fading, said he felt sick and could not take in fluids. He criticised the strict enforcement of time limits between points, saying players need more time to cool down in extreme heat. “It’s insane to play in this weather,” he said. “The rules are rules, but spectators would give you mercy for five or ten more seconds.”
Novak Djokovic also called on organisers to use common sense and schedule more matches later in the day during heatwaves. The 39-year-old advanced to the third round with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7), 6-3 win over Valentin Royer, but admitted the three-hour-44-minute match was exhausting in the heat.
Mensik said he was recovering well and expected to be ready for his third-round match against Alex de Minaur. Other players, including Casper Ruud, have also struggled with heat illness during the tournament.
