Vandeweghe defends improper match warm-up, citing heat exhaustion

After a video circulated showing Coco Vandeweghe participating in what could be described as an unsportsmanlike warm-up, the American took to social media to reveal that she was in fact suffering from heat exhaustion during the encounter.

In an ITF event in Landisville, USA, Vandeweghe was facing Georgian Ekaterine Gorgodze. The video showed the both ladies participating in a warm-up after play was suspended due to extreme heat. However, Vandeweghe showed little enthusiasm in hitting the balls back to her opponent, barely moving and tapping them over the net.

Following negative backlash after the video went viral, Vandeweghe took to Twitter to defend herself and explain the bizarre behavior. The former World No.9 revealed that she had been suffering from a severe sinus infection, which was limiting her breathing. Furthermore, she stated that she was also experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, which included body cramps and nausea.

Vandeweghe went on to explain that she informed the umpire of her condition, and asked not to participate in the warm-up following the heat break. She even gave Gorgodze the option of warming up with her (Gorgodze's) coach, which she stated is allowed by the rules. However, Gorgodze allegedly declined, which led to Vandeweghe being forced to conserve her energy during the warm-up and resort to hitting soft balls. The match was eventually suspended, and Vandeweghe revealed that she withdrew from the match the next day as her symptoms had persisted over the night.

Vandeweghe ended her statement by stating she would never try to damage the integrity of the game, and hoped to return stronger in the hopes of competing at the US Open.