In a chilling scene at the ATP M25 Monastir tournament in Tunisia, 28-year-old Turkish tennis player Altug Celikbilek suddenly collapsed mid-match during his semi-final clash against Yanki Erel.
The alarming health crisis unfolded as Celikbilek, visibly unwell, was unable to continue the match, leaving spectators and fellow players in shock.
ATP star collapses mid-match
Emergency medical teams rushed to his aid, swiftly transporting him to a nearby hospital for immediate evaluation.
It was later confirmed that the promising athlete had suffered a brain hemorrhage, a life-threatening condition involving bleeding in or around the brain.
The Turkish Tennis Federation released a statement assuring the public that Celikbilek is receiving close medical attention.
“The health condition of our national athlete Altug Celikbilek, who fell ill during a match at the M15 Monastir tournament held in Tunisia, is being closely monitored by our Federation and the Tunisian Embassy, and all necessary support is being provided to our athlete and his family. We wish our athlete a speedy recovery,” the Federation said.
Celikbilek’s sudden health scare has drawn attention to the risks athletes face during intense competition.
Despite his current ranking of No. 451 and not securing any titles this season, Celikbilek had previously made notable strides in his career.
He earned two Challenger titles in 2021, marking a breakthrough for Turkish tennis, and even reached a career-high ranking of No. 140.
His ATP debut in 2019 was marked by a remarkable win over former World No. 10 Ernests Gulbis, showcasing his potential on the international stage.
As Celikbilek prepares for surgery, his situation underscores the physical toll professional sports can have on athletes.
The tennis world watches closely as his recovery unfolds, hoping for a swift and full recovery for the young player.