Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sonmez was forced to retire from her second round French Open women’s doubles match due to a freak accident that happened in the third game of the match.

Sonmez, partnered with Tatjana Maria, ran into the Lacoste podium at the back end of the court while fielding a ball. After a physio visit, she retired with an apparent ankle injury.

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Sonmez accident similar to Alexander Blockx incident

Fans recall that a few days ago Belgian Alexander Blockx was injured during practice. He was chasing a ball and made contact with the rain tarp at the end of the court. The result was a twisted ankle.

Blockx is reportedly considering legal action against Roland Garros.

The tarp and the Lacoste podiums have long been discussed as being problemmatic for players. Many wonder if the tarps could be stored elsewhere especially when there is no rain forecasted. It is not clear what tennis-related purpose the Lacoste podiums serve beyond displaying a sponsor logo.

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Weird French Open

The first week has been filled with strange events. Hailey Baptiste suffered a traumatic injury. The heat wave has taken its toll on many, early round upsets, and the players who did not play in the tournament have made for an odd 2026 French Open.

Watch daily coverage of the French Open through June 7 on TNT Sports and Tennis Channel.