NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
French tennis player Arthur Gea abruptly left the court during his first round match at the French Open on Sunday after asking the chair umpire for an emergency time-out.
The Frenchman, who secured his spot at Roland Garros with a wildcard entry, was trailing 4-2 in the first set when Gea asked the chair umpire to use the toilet.
Arthur Gea of France returns a shot to Karen Khachanov of Russia during the first round men’s singles match at the French Open in Paris on May 24, 2026. (Aurelien Morissard/AP)
“I have to go to the bathroom. I can’t move anymore. I have to go to the f—ing field,” Gea said.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Bathroom breaks are typically only reserved between sets. A pair of officials quickly appeared on Court Suzanne-Lenglen and asked about the “medical reason” for the timeout.
“Yes, I’m sick,” Gea replied, before clarifying that he was suffering from a bout of “diarrhoea”.
A coach appeared to add that Gea was suffering from “stomach problems”.
Arthur Gea of France reacts during day one of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris on May 24, 2026. (Marleen Fouchier/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
ARYNA SABALENKA CALLS ON PLAYERS TO BOYCOTT GRAND SLAMS IF THEY DON’T GET A HIGHER SHARE OF TOURNAMENT REVENUES
His pleas were not enough and the game continued.
As soon as the subsequent point was played, Gea made a quick exit towards the dressing rooms. He said after the fight that the referee allowed him the break due to “medical circumstances” and that he was given some medicine to relieve his stomach pain.
He explained that he did not feel ill the previous night but began to feel ill in the morning.
Arthur Gea of France returns a shot to Karen Khachanov of Russia during the men’s singles first round at the French Open in Paris on May 24, 2026. (Aurelien Morissard/AP)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
Gea suffered an early exit, losing to Khachanov in straight sets.
