Jack Sock’s US Open champaign has abruptly ended after he was carried off the court by tournament staff during his second round match against Ruben Bemelmans.
The 28th seed was on his way to a third round showdown against French Open champion Stan Wawrinka with a two sets to one lead before disaster struck. Playing in the sweltering heat, the American collapsed on the Grandstand court in front of his home crowd during the beginning of the fourth set. The medical staff swiftly responded by rushing to the court to treat Sock’s cramping and heat exhaustion with the help of ice towels.
Unfortunately the visibly drained 22-year-old was unable to resume the match as he was forced to retire whilst leading 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 1-2. During day four, players will compete in temperatures in the range of 93-degrees Fahrenheit with 38 percent humidity.
Unlike the women’s section, the men’s tour does not operate a extreme heat policy. In 1992 the WTA introduced a ten-minute break for players when the heat stress index rises above 30.1 degrees Celsius.
Following Sock’s exit, fans took to social media to criticise the ATP for not operating an extreme heat policy similar to the women. Sock is the 13th player to retire at this year’s tournament.
.@ericsalliot Terrible et quel courage @JackSock pic.twitter.com/B3aXl8IACH
— Mohamed TOUBACHE-TER (@MohamedTERParis) September 3, 2015
