French tennis star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was forced to retire from a match in Montpellier after hitting the ball into his own eye in a freak incident.
Mpetshi Perricard, who is famed for his rapid serve, had been playing compatriot Arthur Gea in the first round of the ATP 250 event.
The 6-foot-8 Frenchman had been trailing 5-3, 30-0 in the first set when the incident occurred.
Mpetshi Perricard had approached the net but been unable to put away a volley, giving Gea the opportunity to attempt a pass.
After moving to his left, Mpetshi Perricard attempted to divert the passing shot back across the court but the ball instead flew upwards off the frame and connected with his left eye.
He immediately doubled over and put his hand to his eye following the impact.
French star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was forced to retire after hitting the ball into his own eye in a freak incident
Mpetshi Perricard was seen holding his face in pain after the ball had hit hit the frame of his racket and bounced into his left eye
The Frenchman was forced to retire from the first round match following the first set
Mpetshi Perricard attempted a return on the subsequent point, but sent the ball well out of the court, with Gea winning the set 6-3.
Mpetshi Perricard received treatment following the set, before retiring from the contest as he struggled to see out of his left eye.
‘It’s never easy to see a friend (injured) like this,’ Gea said on court after Mpetshi Perricard’s retirement.
‘Obviously, I didn’t want to do (it like) this, but it’s the game. He touched the ball, (it was) not on purpose.
‘I was handling the match really (well) in the beginning. I was really good on the court and he was also playing really good. It was really stressful, but it was a good match.’
There have been similar incidents in the past, although rare.
Belgian star David Goffin was forced to pull out of two tournaments due to swelling around his eye in 2018.
After winning only one game on his return, Goffin underwent further check-ups to check on his eye.