NEW YORK – Victoria Azarenka says she fell and hit her head and arm while running in the gym before her on-court collapse during a second-round match at the U.S. Open.
In a statement released Wednesday by the U.S. Tennis Association, the 10th-seeded Azarenka says she was diagnosed with a mild concussion after tests at a hospital.
She says she was checked "by the medical team" before her match but "felt worse" while playing, "having a headache and feeling dizzy." She says she had trouble seeing and felt weak on court.
The 21-year-old Azarenka fell to the ground while trailing Gisela Dulko 5-1 and was taken away on a wheelchair.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Open says Victoria Azarenka collapsed and had to be taken off the court in a wheelchair during a match because of "headache-like symptoms."
The 21-year-old Azarenka was taken to a hospital for tests, according to a statement released Wednesday and attributed to tournament referee Brian Earley.
The statement adds: "This does not seem to be primarily a heat-related illness."
It was 90 degrees with 42 percent humidity when the 10th-seeded Azarenka took to the court Wednesday morning for a second straight steamy day of play at Flushing Meadows. She was trailing Gisela Dulko 5-1 in the first set and not moving well when Azarenka fell to the ground.
