Tennis world No19 COLLAPSES in terrifying scenes & taken off in wheelchair as 16-year-old opponent breaks down in tears

THERE were horror scenes at the Memphis Tennis Classic as Ekaterina Alexandrova COLLAPSED during her showdown with Kristina Liutova. The Russian, 31, was looking to bounce back after her third round exit from Wimbledon earlier this month. Ekaterina Alexandrova left the court in a wheelchair after collapsing Credit: Getty Kristina Liutova burst into tears following the distressing scenes Credit: WTA But medics rushed to Alexandrova’s aid when she dropped to the floor as the soaring temperatures took their toll. The world No19, who went into the WTA Tour clash as the tournament’s top seed, then had lengthy treatment before being forced to retire. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Alexandrova left the court in a wheelchair and the terrifying scenes took their toll on Liutova. The up-and-coming talent, 16, broke down in tears as she feared for her rival’s health. Liutova was serving for the match when it became clear that Alexandrova was struggling in the searing 34C heat. And the Moscow-born prodigy, who was leading 7-6 4-6 5-4 when the three-hour contest was cut short, was able to mark her WTA Tour debut with a win in shock circumstances. It was a historic victory for Liutova, who will now face Maya Joint in the last-16. She became just the second tennis star born in 2010 to triumph in a tour-level match. Most read in Sport Medics rushed to Alexandrova’s aid before she was forced to retire Credit: WTA Liutova was serving for the match when the contest was cut short Credit: WTA Liutova followed in Nauhany Vitoria Leme da Silva’s footsteps, with the Brazilian achieving the stunning feat last September. Although tennis fans were stunned by the teenage sensation’s performance, they also rushed onto social media to send their well wishes to Alexandrova. One said: “Heartbreaking for Alexandrova, but what a stunning debut win for 16-year-old Liutova in brutal heat!” Another added: “Ekaterina Alexandrova had to be taken off the court in a wheelchair. I hope she’s okay.” A third chimed in: “It’s been such a tough season for Ekaterina Alexandrova. She’s one of my favourites, so it’s really tough seeing her like this.” And a fourth noted: “Big moment for Liutova. But what a disaster for Alexandrova.” Comment now