ARTHUR CAZAUX has been forced to retire from his match against Harold Mayot after collapsing on court.
The Frenchman, 21, was locked in a third set against compatriot Harold Mayot when he fell to the ground while waiting to return.
Arthur Cazaux was taken off court in a wheelchair
ReutersThe Frenchman, 21, has had a breakthrough season[/caption]
As Cazaux lay on his back, a medic ran onto court to help him.
The umpire then also got down from his chair and walked over to inspect the scene.
According to Cracked Racquets reporter Damian Kust, Cazaux was taken off court in a wheelchair after having to retire.
Mayot won the first set 6-4, before Cazaux fought back to take the second 7-5.
The 22-year-old was serving at 1-2, 30-30 in the deciding set when Cazaux fainted while waiting to return.
Temperatures have reached 31 degrees Celsius in Miami today, with around 70 per cent humidity.
Mayot will now meet former world No7 David Goffin for a place in the main draw.
After receiving criticism on social media for his reaction to Cazaux collapsing, Mayot wrote: “Stop starting a false controversy for nothing.
“It had been several games since he didn’t feel well and he was starting to cramp.
“I didn’t see him fall and I thought he was lying down because he had a cramp. When I understood that it was serious I immediately followed go to him and I was very worried.
“I did my best to help. There is nothing but great friendship and complicity between us and always has been.
“You need to stop sending your hate all the time. I wish him a good recovery and the best.”
Cazaux is currently at a career high No74 in the ATP rankings.
Last week he reached the round of 16 in a Challenger event in Phoenix, Arizona, losing a tight match to former Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini.
Earlier this year he enjoyed a huge breakthrough by reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open.
He beat Laslo Djere in round one before memorably producing a huge upset to knock out eighth seed Holger Rune in the second.
Cazaux backed up the result by trouncing 28th seed Tallon Griekspoor in round three.
He then bowed out to ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz in the last 16.
Following his huge result Down Under, Cazaux received a hero’s welcome back in his hometown Montpellier.
He performed a ceremonial kick-off at Montpellier’s Ligue 1 clash with Lille in January, before competing in the Open Sud de France the following week.
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