The ATP Masters 1000 in Shanghai put players to the test on Saturday.
Sweltering heat and humidity, combined with the ever-present layer of pollution, made breathing a challenge during the peak of physical exertion.
Many athletes struggled under the conditions. Italy’s Jannik Sinner, world No. 2 and defending champion, was among those who showed visible signs of fatigue.
He finished his match against Germany’s Daniel Altmaier walking slowly between points, gasping for air. He changed shirts multiple times, drenched in sweat.
Just three days earlier, he had lifted the champion’s trophy in Beijing.
But no one suffered more than Argentina’s Francisco Comesaña.
Physically exhausted, he was on the brink of being unable to finish the match. Though already headed for defeat, he tried to see it through — a decision that ended up causing a health scare.
With Italy’s Fabio Fognini leading 6-4, 5-0, Comesaña began to feel dizzy after the changeover. He had to steady himself against an advertising board before collapsing to the ground. Seated, he was quickly aided by his opponent.
Fognini earned the applause of both the crowd and the tennis world for his gesture. He rushed to help his fellow player, applying an ice collar before medical staff arrived.
Groggy but still managing to keep a sense of humor, Comesaña received care from the physio and tournament doctor, who checked his vital signs and helped stabilize him so he could play one more game — the final one, ending in a 6-0 scoreline.