Turkish tennis player quits during a match after stumbling over an advertisement prop in surprising French Open injury

Injury Incident at Roland Garros

Zeynep Sonmez might have preferred to avoid this particular advertising incident.

During Tatiana Maria’s second-round doubles match against Dayana Yastremska and Angelina Kalinina at Roland Garros, Sonmez’s match was abruptly halted. She stumbled over a Lacoste advertisement and collided with the back wall.

It was clear Sonmez was in discomfort, prompting the referee to immediately summon the medical team. Fortunately, she managed to exit the court on her own, while Yastremska and Kalinina were awarded byes with a score of 2-0.

One observer commented, “Another instance where advertising poses risks to athletes.”

Sonmez later expressed her frustration, stating, “Five incidents in five days. I left the court with two stitches and a bruised knee. Thankfully, it didn’t get any worse. Do we truly need to wait for a serious injury to remove these boards? Player safety should come first.”

This isn’t the first time a player has had a mishap with an advertising board at a tournament; another player had a similar experience recently.

Another player remarked, “These boards need to go. I was lucky this time, but next time could be different.”

The current French Open has experienced several unusual injuries, partly influenced by a heat wave in Paris.

Men’s singles competitor Alexander Brox had to pull out after he was hurt by a rain cover while practicing, and American Haley Baptiste sustained a significant knee injury that will require surgery and could sideline her for the rest of the season.

The injuries have raised concerns among players and fans alike.

Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk has acknowledged the need to be cautious. “It’s unfortunate,” she shared. “During a game, there was a moment when I chose to let a ball go instead of risking injury. I feel for Zeynep and hope she’s okay.”