There was chaos in the first match of the day on Arthur Ashe Stadium as both Karolina Muchova and Beatriz Haddad Maia called the physio.
Leading by a set and a break, Muchova was first to ask for the trainer. The Czech star dashed off court multiple times as pundits questioned whether she was struggling with sickness.
A few games later, Haddad Maia suddenly covered her face with her towel and called for the physio before serving to stay in the tournament.
Twelve months after reaching the US Open semi-final, Muchova was looking to get back there. The world No. 52 got off to a fast start, winning the first five games of the match and taking the first set 6-1 in 36 minutes.
But there were concerns at the beginning of the second set as she asked the physio whether she could run to the toilet during a changeover. Muchova wasted no time, sprinting off and making it back in time for the next game. She then called the physio to the court after securing a break in the second set.
Before the trainer could even meet Muchova at her bench, the 28-year-old walked over to her and they both left the court. She swiftly returned to the court to continue playing but was broken to love.
She immediately regained her lead in the next game but the physio and doctor were quickly back out on the court and Muchova appeared to take medication. When play resumed, the former world No. 8 held to put herself within a game of the match at 5-3.
No. 22 seed Haddad Maia had to serve to stay in the match. But she suddenly turned away to her towel box and covered her face. It wasn’t a changeover but the Brazilian walked up to the physio and asked for the trainer before sitting on her bench.
The doctor, physio and supervisor all took to the court once again as Haddad Maia looked visibly distressed. But she didn’t seem to take any tablets and gathered herself before returning to the baseline.