Dramatic scenes unfolded at the Cincinnati Open on Monday when French tennis player Arthur Rinderknech collapsed during his third-round encounter with Felix Auger-Aliassime.

The world No70 fell to the ground while attempting to reach for a towel at the rear of the court, prompting immediate concern from officials and his opponent.

Rinderknech had already dropped the opening set but secured an early advantage in the second before Auger-Aliassime levelled at 2-2. It was immediately after the break of serve that the Frenchman's distressing collapse took place.

The umpire's voice cut through the tension, asking "Arthur, are you okay?" as the player lay on the ground. Canada's 23rd seed immediately abandoned his service preparation and rushed across the court with a towel to assist his stricken opponent.

Arthur Rinderknech collapsed on his way to get a towel

The umpire's voice cut through the tension, asking "Arthur, are you okay?" as the player lay on the ground. Canada's 23rd seed immediately abandoned his service preparation and rushed across the court with a towel to assist his stricken opponent.

Medical personnel quickly arrived on court, providing ice whilst Rinderknech remained prone. Television coverage initially switched to crowd shots as treatment was administered.

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The Frenchman, who had eliminated 11th seed Casper Ruud in the previous round, eventually rose to his feet and attempted to resume play. Further medical attention was required during the subsequent changeover, with trainers applying ice towels to help combat the extreme heat.

Sky Sports commentator Gigi Salmon described the worrying incident to viewers. She said: "This is Arthur Rinderknech just collapsing at the back of the court. Medical team came on to assist him." Salmon also noted the pair had been competing for nearly two hours in the oppressive conditions.

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The medical team were quick to come and help the tennis star

Despite his determination to continue, Rinderknech's physical state deteriorated rapidly. He was broken in the following game and ultimately retired with Auger-Aliassime ahead 7-6(4) 4-2.

"Arthur Rinderknech, who just a short while ago collapsed at the back of the court, was not able to continue," Salmon explained. She also described seeing him bent double, barely able to move, with ice towels draped around his neck and legs during treatment.

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The extreme weather has created widespread difficulties throughout the tournament. On Sunday, Daniil Medvedev resorted to placing his head inside a refrigerator during his three-set loss to Adam Walton as he battled the oppressive heat.

Britain's Cameron Norrie similarly struggled with the conditions in his defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut. The challenging circumstances have forced tournament organisers to implement the heat rule on Monday.

Cameron Norrie also struggled with the weather in his loss

This regulation permits competitors to take a ten-minute break away from the court between the second and third sets. The measure aims to protect players' welfare as temperatures continue to create hazardous playing conditions at the Ohio venue.