Bethanie Mattek-Sands left screaming in pain after gruesome injury

Day 4 at Wimbledon was overshadowed by a horrifying scene on Court 17 on Thursday.

American Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who received a wild card into the tournament, severely injured her right knee during a point against Sorana Cirstea and was forced to retire.

Mattek-Sands was carted off on a stretcher and taken straight to the hospital after the incident.

The Romanian and the American had split the first two sets of their second-round match when, approaching the net in the first game of the third set, Mattek-Sands slipped and took a hard fall. One of the toughest players on tour, she clutched her knee immediately and began repeatedly screaming, “Help me, please! Help me!” The screams then turned to sobs.

Cirstea came to the other side of the net to assist in any way she could, but all she could do was wait.

Mattek-Sands remained on the ground, unable to get up, until medical personnel attended to her.

Lucie Safarova, the 32-year-old’s doubles partner—Mattek-Sands is ranked No. 1 in the world in doubles—was seen crying on the side of the court as her teammate writhed in pain. She was consoled and hugged by many as she nervously watched the scene unfold.

Mattek-Sands, who defeated Magda Linette in the first round, has won three consecutive Grand Slam doubles titles with Safarova. They had beaten Alison Riske and Jennifer Brady in their opening-round match on Wednesday.

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