Victoria Azarenka retired from her second round match against Gisela Dulko at the U.S. Open after collapsing in soaring temperatures and was taken off the court in a wheelchair because of "headache-like symptoms."
It was 90 degrees (30s Celsius) with 42 percent humidity yesterday when the match started. Azarenka was trailing Gisela Dulko 5-1 in the first set and not moving well when she fell to the ground.
Azarenka was taken to a hospital for tests, according to a statement released Wednesday and attributed to tournament referee Brian Earley.
"Victoria Azarenka retired from her match with headache-like symptoms. She was taken to a nearby hospital for diagnostic testing. Out of respect to her privacy, we cannot give any more details. However, we can say that this does not seem to be primarily a heat-related illness."
Statement from Victoria Azarenka on the circumstances of her retirement yesterday:
"I was warming up in the gym prior to my match against Gisela Dulko, when I fell while running a sprint. I fell forward and hit my arm and head. I was checked by the medical team before I went on court, and they were courtside for monitoring. I felt worse as the match went on, having a headache and feeling dizzy. I also started having trouble seeing and felt weak before I fell. I was taken to the hospital for some medical tests and have been diagnosed with a mild concussion."
You quote a press release that says "we can say that this does not seem to be primarily a heat-related illness." Then your title says she collapsed from heat?
He said "does not seem" and "primarily". The test were not done yet, and he didn't know what exactly was the reason. I would say that the heat is the main reason.