Altug Celikbilek, a promising Turkish tennis player, faced a shocking health crisis during the ATP M25 Monastir tournament in Tunisia. Competing in the semi-finals against Yanki Erel, Altug suddenly fell ill and could not continue the match. This alarming incident left spectators and fellow athletes in disbelief. Medical teams quickly intervened, rushing him to the hospital for urgent evaluation.
Reports indicate that the 28-year-old player suffered a brain hemorrhage, a serious condition characterized by bleeding in or around the brain. The Turkish Tennis Federation confirmed that he is under close medical supervision. They stated, “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 and respectfully announce it to the tennis community.”
Despite not winning any titles this season and sitting at a ranking of 451, Altug Celikbilek has made impressive strides in his tennis career since debuting at 18. He has established himself as a key player in Turkish tennis, capturing two Challenger titles in 2021 in Porto and Pozoblanco, becoming the first player from Türkiye to win multiple titles in the same season.
That year, he also reached a career-high ranking of No. 140. Celikbilek made headlines during his ATP Tour main draw debut in 2019 when he defeated former World No. 10 Ernests Gulbis in Antalya, showcasing his potential and determination on the international stage. As Altug prepares for surgery, this incident raises awareness about the health risks athletes face during intense competition.
Heart-Wrenching Scenes as 28-Year-Old ATP Star Collapses Mid-Match After Devastating Brain Haemorrhage
