Swedish tennis player Elias Ymer was forced to retire from a match in China after twice collapsing on the court during a frightening first-round encounter.
Ymer, 28, was facing Taiwanese player Hsu Yu-hsiou at an ATP Challenger tournament in Zhangjiagang on Tuesday when he suddenly lost his footing and went down during the second set.
The world No. 212 had already dropped the opening set in a tiebreak but fought back strongly and moved ahead 5-3 in the second.
He then stepped up to serve for the set, but the game turned into a grueling battle that lasted more than 20 minutes.
Ymer missed several set points and was forced to save multiple break points as the game repeatedly went to deuce.
During one rally, Hsu sent a lob over Ymer’s head.
As the Swede turned and tried to run back toward the baseline, he suddenly crumpled to the court.
The chair umpire immediately rushed over to check on him, while Hsu ran across the court carrying an ice towel for his opponent.
Ymer managed to get back to his feet briefly, but moments later he collapsed for a second time.
Officials and medical staff quickly surrounded him, while ball kids held up towels around the player.
The umpire could reportedly be heard calling for medical assistance and telling officials that Ymer was still conscious.
Although a three-minute medical timeout was officially called, nearly nine minutes reportedly passed before Ymer was able to stand and make his way back to his bench.
He later returned to the court but was visibly struggling.
Ymer repeatedly doubled over and appeared barely able to move as the marathon ninth game continued.
Including the medical delay, the game lasted around 26 minutes.
Hsu eventually broke Ymer’s serve and then held his own service game to tie the second set at 5-5.
By that point, Ymer was struggling so badly that he allowed several balls to pass without attempting to chase them down.
After falling behind 0-15 in his next service game, Ymer decided he could no longer continue.
He limped heavily toward the net, where Hsu jumped over to help guide him back toward his bench with assistance from the umpire.
Officials then announced that Ymer had retired from the match.
A rolling stretcher was later brought courtside.
The ATP attributed Ymer’s condition to nausea, while the extreme heat and high humidity in Zhangjiagang were also believed to have contributed to his physical problems.
Ymer entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed.
Hsu, ranked No. 268 in the world, advanced after the match ended with the score at 7-6, 5-5.