Unsettling scenes as tennis star falls ill during match as play halted
Opelka had secured a 7-6 victory in the first set before Comesana took the reins of the second set, leading 4-3 (15-0). However, concern arose when the 24 year old was preparing to serve.
Standing on the baseline, Comesana seemed to contemplate striking the ball but chose not to, halting play. He then slowly made his way towards his courtside bench, catching the umpire's eye.
Comesana appeared extremely unwell, and a ballgirl quickly came to his assistance with a sick bag, while other medical staff rushed onto the court. The world No. 71 was then escorted off the court for further examination, with camera footage showing him having his blood pressure monitored and ice applied to his neck to counteract the sweltering Ohio heat, reports the Express. Francisco Comesana fell ill (Image: X)
Following an 11-minute medical timeout, Comesana returned to the court and play resumed. Despite the health scare, he managed to regain his momentum and went on to equalise the match by winning the second set 6-4.
However, the game's resumption wasn't without its fair share of drama. After the second set wrapped up, Comesana took a loo break and changed his kit, much to Opelka's annoyance who felt the increasing interruptions were putting him off his game.
The American player vented to the umpire: "How many breaks will this guy get? Last time I had a break that long I got fined £150k."
Opelka then took a toilet break himself, and the forced pause seemed to work in his favour as he came back onto the court looking refreshed.
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