Cincinnati Masters 1000: Extreme heat forces Rinderknech to abandon match against Auger-Aliassime

French tennis player Arthur Rinderknech, ranked 70th in the ATP, suffered a collapse due to intense heat during his match against Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 on Monday, August 11, 2025. The incident occurred in the second set, with temperatures reaching 32°C and a heat index of 35°C, leading to the player’s withdrawal after two hours of play. The episode reignited criticism about holding matches during peak heat hours, raising concerns about athlete safety. Rinderknech, who had previously defeated Casper Ruud, attempted to continue but could not withstand the extreme conditions.

The match, which began at 11 a.m. local time, was competitive, with Auger-Aliassime winning the first set in a tiebreak. After showing signs of exhaustion, Rinderknech collapsed on the court’s sideline, receiving immediate medical attention. The tournament staff provided cold water and ice packs, but the visibly shaken Frenchman retired at a score of 7-6 (4), 4-2.

• Weather conditions: 32°C, with a heat index of 35°C and 50% humidity.
• Match duration: Approximately 2 hours until withdrawal.
• Immediate response: Referee, opponent, and medical team rushed to assist the player.
• Tournament context: Ongoing criticism of Cincinnati’s heat conditions.

The Cincinnati Masters 1000, held in Ohio, has faced scrutiny due to high temperatures, particularly in daytime matches. Other players, like Daniil Medvedev, have also struggled with similar conditions, fueling debate about adjusting schedules and improving safety measures.

Immediate reactions to the collapse

The moment Rinderknech fell sparked immediate concern. The chair umpire, Peruvian Jimmy Pinoargote, quickly noticed the issue and called for medical assistance. Felix Auger-Aliassime crossed the court to check on his opponent, showing solidarity. The crowd, initially stunned, applauded Rinderknech’s effort to continue.

Medical staff acted swiftly, providing water, cold towels, and ice packs. Despite their efforts, Rinderknech struggled to breathe and maintain balance, clear signs of heatstroke. After briefly attempting to resume, he lost his serve and retired at 4-2.

• Medical care: Included hydration and ice to lower body temperature.
• Opponent’s reaction: Auger-Aliassime offered support and apologized to the Frenchman.
• Crowd support: Cheers for Rinderknech’s effort to continue.

Extreme weather conditions at the tournament

The heat in Cincinnati has been a persistent challenge for players. With temperatures above 30°C and high humidity, the tournament tests athletes’ physical endurance. On Sunday, Daniil Medvedev, former world number one, drew attention by using a cooler to relieve heat during his loss to Adam Walton. The viral image of Medvedev with his head in a cooler underscored the severity of the conditions.

The choice of daytime match schedules has drawn criticism from players and experts. In 2023, Medvedev had warned about the dangers of extreme heat at the US Open, noting potential serious consequences. Rinderknech’s case reinforces the need for preventive measures, such as longer breaks or night matches.

• Average temperature: 32°C during the day, with heat index peaks of 35°C.
• Humidity: Around 50%, increasing discomfort.
• Precedents: Medvedev and others have reported heat-related issues.
• Criticism: Concerns over the safety of daytime scheduling.

The Cincinnati tournament, a key preparation for the US Open, demands high physical performance, but weather conditions have compromised players’ health and performance.

History of similar incidents

Heat-related collapses are not new in professional tennis. In summer tournaments like the Australian Open and US Open, players often face harsh conditions. In 2018, during the US Open, Novak Djokovic and others criticized the lack of hydration breaks on hot days. Cincinnati’s recurring heat issues, exacerbated by its August timing, highlight the need for stricter protocols.

Rinderknech, coming off a strong win against Casper Ruud, showed resilience by attempting to continue, but the incident underscores the need for consistent heat policies. The ATP has implemented rules like a 10-minute break in extreme conditions, but their application remains inconsistent.

• Australian Open 2014: Multiple players reported dehydration and fainting.
• US Open 2023: Medvedev raised alarms about extreme heat risks.
• ATP rules: Allow breaks but rely on umpire discretion.
• Proposals: Night matches and mandatory breaks on hot days.

The debate over heat in tennis grows with each incident, pressuring organizers to rethink tournament planning.

Tournament impact and next steps

Rinderknech’s withdrawal secured Felix Auger-Aliassime’s spot in the Cincinnati Masters 1000 round of 16. The Canadian, ranked 28th, now awaits the winner of Stefanos Tsitsipas versus Benjamin Bonzi. Despite the win, Auger-Aliassime expressed concern for his opponent’s health, emphasizing the incident’s severity.

For Rinderknech, the focus shifts to recovery. The Frenchman, who performed well against Ruud, will undergo medical evaluations to assess any lasting effects of the heatstroke. The incident may affect his preparation for the US Open, starting late August.

• Auger-Aliassime’s next match: Against Tsitsipas or Bonzi.
• Rinderknech’s recovery: Medical exams to evaluate his condition.
• US Open: Tournament begins on August 25, 2025.

The incident further fuels discussions about athlete safety in high-stakes tournaments with demanding schedules.

Heat prevention measures

The ATP and tournament organizers have explored ways to protect players in extreme weather. Measures include extended breaks, access to cooling areas, and constant temperature monitoring. However, their application varies, prompting criticism.

Players like Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have advocated for changes, such as fewer daytime matches on hot days. Technologies like body temperature sensors and monitored hydration are being tested in some events.

• Extended breaks: Allowed in matches exceeding 3 hours.
• Cooling areas: Available in some tournaments but not universally.
• Monitoring: Sensors to assess players’ conditions.
• Player proposals: More night matches and enhanced hydration protocols.

Athlete safety remains a priority, especially in a sport requiring intense physical performance over long matches.