Player passes out before match at Australian Open

A tennis star says he passed out for 15 minutes moments before his match — before collapsing again on the court at the Australian Open.

Corentin Moutet crashed out of the Australian Open — just a few hours after collapsing in the shower.

The world No. 69 was beaten 7-6 6-3 6-3 by American ace Learner Tien in the third round at the Show Court Arena on Saturday night.

Watch every game of the BBL Finals LIVE and ad-break free during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

After the match, he revealed that he had blacked out but had no time to consult a doctor before the clash, The Sun reports.

The Frenchman revealed: “I collapsed 45 minutes before the match in the shower. I woke up on the floor.

“Everything was black and I couldn’t see very well.

“It was strange because I felt ready and fit. I had no aches or pains, nothing.

“I’ve got a hole (in his memory). All I know is that I spent 15 minutes in the dark.

France's Corentin Moutet had a rough day. Photo by Paul Crock / AFP.

“I didn’t hurt myself but I was stunned. There was a bit of panic during the warm-up.

“We did some balance exercises to regain visual stability. I didn’t start the match in the best shape.”

But Moutet, 25, insisted that the incident did not impact the result against Tien.

When speaking about his rival he added: “What a player.”

Tien reached the stage by beating the fifth seed, Daniil Medvedev, in the second round.

He will now take on Italian ace Lorenzo Sonego in the fourth round on Monday.

Tien is the youngest man to get to the last 16 since Rafael Nadal reached the stage when he was 18 in 2005.

He said: “It feels great. Obviously, you go into every match believing you can win.

France's Corentin Moutet receives medical attention. Photo by Paul Crock / AFP.

“Honestly it feels pretty crazy to be in the second week. Going through Qs (qualifying).”

Moutet collapsed to the ground clutching his left leg after serving at 15-0 in the opening game of the third set.

He got back up and gamely attempted to continue, but was clearly in pain with his movement restricted and Tien took advantage to book a place in a maiden Grand Slam last 16.

“I didn’t really see what was going on... I just saw him on the ground,” Tien said.

“I wasn’t sure what was going on with him honestly because there were some points where it seemed like he wasn’t able to move or really use his legs that much at all.

“Other points he was running and scrapping.”

— This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission

Originally published as Player passes out before match at Australian Open