Rising American tennis star Hailey Baptiste received a devastating diagnosis after needing to be wheeled off the court at Roland Garros with an injury in the second round of the French Open.
The up-and-comer was facing Wang Xiyu in the second round's first set when she collapsed after landing awkwardly while returning serve against her Chinese opponent. Baptiste was heard moaning in agony before medical staff tended to her. She was eventually taken off the court in a wheelchair, and Xiyu advanced.
It was later revealed on the TNT broadcast of the tournament that Baptiste suffered an injury to both her ACL and her meniscus. The injuries were serious enough that Baptiste will require surgery. She is expected to miss at least six months.
Fellow American star Sloane Stephens offered her condolences: "That is absolutely devastating and heartbreaking," the tennis player told TNT. "I took my earpiece out because I don't want to hear this. It's so painful and it hurts so bad for Hailey because this is the best tennis she's ever played in her career, highest ranking she's ever been to, she just signed a Nike contract, everything is looking up, things are amazing and it's just amazing."
Stephens added: "Seeing that video and hearing her scream, you don't wish that in your worst nightmare. Injuries are so tough and so hard, especially when you're at the top of your game and playing the best tennis of your career. You just hate to see that."
Baptiste, the world No. 26, is just coming off one of the most exciting wins of her career last month. The Washington, DC native upset World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the Madrid Open back in late April. She would reach the semifinals of the women's singles draw before falling to Mirra Andreeva.
Baptiste has yet to advance to the quarterfinals of any Grand Slam event in her career. Her best result was reaching the fourth round of last year's French Open.
