Russian tennis player Ekaterina Alexandrova collapsed on court and retired from her first-round match at the Memphis Classic due to sweltering temperatures. The world No 19 trailed 7-6(7-2) 4-6 5-4 in a match that lasted over three hours against 16-year-old compatriot Kristina Liutova and visibly struggled in 34C heat. It was an eventful debut on the WTA Tour and first win at this level for Liutova, who was left in tears and was comforted by her team. Liutova will face Maya Joint in the second round of the WTA 250 event in Tennessee. Temperatures also hit 46C at the Australian Open in January.-IndependentFollow our WhatsApp Channel now!