Tennis star says he drank FIFTEEN LITRES of water during US Open defeat and fires warning over ‘extreme’ conditions
ARTHUR RINDEKNECH has revealed he drank 15 LITRES of water during the US Open.
The tennis star consumed the water during his defeat to Andrey Rublev as they battled scorching temperatures in New York.
Rinderknech, 29, was in a four-hour marathon clash against Rublev, which lasted for the full five sets.
The Frenchman won the first two sets before his Russian foe fought back and won three sets on the bounce to advance to the third round.
Speaking after his defeat, Rinderknech suggested that the “extreme” conditions made it difficult to perform,
He said: “We have a pipe that brings fresh air, it feels great, but it’s not enough.
“There was an ice pack in the tub next to it, as well as an ice towel that I put around my neck every time I changed sides.
“I drank, I think, 15 one-litre bottles, which means I drank 15 litres.
“I ate everything I could, but it’s so hard to eat in this heat. It was extreme.”
Rinderknech also claimed that accidents could start to happen as players may struggle with the heat.
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He added: “I am waiting for the day when an accident will happen.
“We are like dogs on the field. Not a single player backs down, we do not think, we rush, it is 4000 degrees, it is dangerous.
“This year, there are slower balls, so the rallies are longer and the matches are longer, and the breaks between plays are getting shorter and shorter.
“Daniil Medvedev once said that one day someone will die on the field.
“Whether he dies or not, I do not know, but something will happen.
“I would like to admit that the judge was very understanding towards us. He allowed us to have another break.
“Judges are not always so lenient. I accepted a voluntary warning because I could not take it anymore.
“The humidity complicates the situation. You are very wet. I changed shoes three times and probably used 12 or 13 T-shirts.”
The temperatures have soared over 30°C on the court at the US Open, which has prompted extra hydration breaks.
Tomas Martin Etcheverry was one player who was affected by the heat as he vomited on the court during his win over Francisco Cerundolo.
Frances Tiafoe also struggled with the heat as he bought 20 shirts in his bag before his match.