Belgian tennis player Alexander Blockx is reportedly considering seeking compensation from French Open organisers after having to withdraw from his second round match against Australia’s Alex de Minaur. The Aussie has enjoyed a pretty charmed run at Roland Garros, getting a walkover into the third round.
He then got another gift on Wednesday night when third-round opponent Jakub Mensik collapsed and had to be taken off the court in a wheelchair after his five-set win over Mariano Navone in sapping heat. Mensik was cramping and suffering from exhaustion, and later blasted the conditions as “insane”.
Alex de Minaur, Alexander Blockx and Jakub Mensik at the French Open.
It remains to be seen whether Mensik will take his place against de Minaur, or whether he’ll be at 100 per cent fitness. There’s a chance de Minaur could make the fourth round without hardly lifting a finger.
“I’m feeling pretty well – it’s just now about [getting] back the strength, a lot of fluids, and I’ll be OK,” Mensik said. “Alex has something similar game style as Navone today, so of course, it will be very, very difficult to put him under the pressure, but I’m doing pretty well here, feeling really in good form, so I will do my best to keep fighting and to get the W.”
Jakub Mensik collapsed after his win at the French Open.
(BSR Agency via Getty Images)Alexander Blockx ‘investigating’ potential legal action
As for Blockx, his campaign was ruined when he injured his ankle on the practice courts before he was scheduled to take on de Minaur in the second round. It’s since been revealed that Blockx tripped over a court cover that was placed at the back of the court in case of rain, and his team are reportedly ‘investigating’ whether to take legal action.
Blockx’s coach Ruben Bemelmans told The Athletic: “There’s no signs (saying) ‘careful about covers in the back’. Are the covers necessary? I don’t think so.
“There should be a solution for that because the courts are very narrow. There’s not much space behind the courts. So in my opinion, it shouldn’t be there or there should be another solution other than putting them on the ground.”
Alexander Blockx had to withdraw from his second round match against Alex de Minaur.
(BSR Agency via Getty Images)
A similar incident occurred in 2017 when fellow Belgian player David Goffin twisted his ankle on a tarp at the back of a court during an actual match. Goffin had to retire hurt and withdraw from the tournament.
In 2018, Canadian player Eugenie Bouchard slipped and fell in the locker room at the US Open and suffered a concussion, forcing her out of the tournament. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) was later ordered to pay 75 per cent of her damages.