In a distressing turn of events, Turkish tennis player Altug Celikbilek reportedly endured a brain hemorrhage during a match at the M15 Monastir tournament in Tunisia. The incident unfolded in a harrowing scene on the court, forcing the 28-year-old to retire just one game into his semifinal encounter.
Celikbilek, currently ranked 451st in the world, had powered through three consecutive straight-set victories en route to the semifinal, where he was set to face 523rd-ranked Yanki Erel in an all-Turkish showdown. However, the match took a grim turn right from the start. In the opening game, Celikbilek managed to win only a single point before being easily broken. Moments later, he collapsed, prompting immediate intervention from the on-site medical team. He was swiftly rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
According to reports by Corriere Dello Sport, medical examinations determined that the cause of his collapse was a brain hemorrhage. Plans were then underway to evaluate the possibility of transporting him back to Turkey for a surgical procedure, a crucial step in his treatment journey.
The Turkish Tennis Federation has been closely involved in the situation, confirming that Celikbilek is under vigilant watch. Alongside the Tunisian Embassy, they are providing all necessary support to the player and his family during this trying time. “The health condition of our national athlete Altug Celikbilek, who fell ill during a match at the M15 Monastir tournament held in Tunisia, is being closely monitored by our Federation and the Tunisian Embassy, and all necessary support is being provided to our athlete and his family. We wish our athlete a speedy recovery,” the federation stated over the weekend.
There was a glimmer of hope on Monday when former Turkish WTA player Ipek Senoglu provided an update. Senoglu revealed that Celikbilek showed signs of improvement. “This morning the doctor examined Altug, gave him good news and now his mother is inside, they are talking a little bit. He has different tests and check-ups today, hopefully good news will come from them as well,” she wrote on X.
This year, Celikbilek has predominantly competed on the ITF circuit, making multiple final appearances and clinching one title. His past achievements include three Challenger titles during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, which propelled him to a career-high ranking of 154th in the world. Tennis fans and the sporting community alike are now anxiously waiting for further updates on his condition, hoping for his full and speedy recovery.
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