Ekaterina Alexandrova collapses on court during three-hour match against Kristina Liutova at WTA Memphis Tennis Classic | Tennis News

Ekaterina Alexandrova collapsed on court in the third set of her WTA Tour match against Kristina Liutova at the Memphis Tennis Classic.

Alexandrova, who was top seed at the tournament, was 5-4 down in the third set of a three-hour match in temperatures that reached 34 degrees Celsius, when the match had to be stopped and she had a lengthy treatment.

The world No 19 Alexandrova couldn’t continue, though, and was forced to retire – handing 16-year-old Liutova victory in her debut match on the WTA Tour.

The teenager was seen in tears at the conclusion of the match. She will next play American Maya Joint in the Round of 16.

Sky Sports News has contacted the WTA for comment.