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American tennis star Bethanie Mattek-Sands was left writhing in agony screaming 'Please help me' after suffering a horror knee injury at Wimbledon.

The wildcard was just starting the third set against Romanian Sorana Cirstea when she collapsed as she moved to the net and attempted to volley.

Clutching her right knee, she screamed: “Please help me, help me, help me.”

Cirstea climbed over the net and called for medical help.

Mattek-Sands remained on Court 17 for over 15 minutes before she was taken away on a stretcher before being put in an ambulance.

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While on the ground she was heard calling out "It hurts, hurts so much" despite being given oxygen and an injection to deal with the pain.

The world No.99 had taken the first set before losing the second in a tie-break.

But was forced to retire in the opening game of the decider after the sickening injury.

Cirstea, who had rushed over the net to her aid, was left watching the medical staff in shock on the court.

Her opponent said: "It was heartbreaking to see her that way. I hit a ball in her direction and didn't really see what happened. I saw she was on the floor and she started screaming.

"I went over and saw her knee out and turned around and told them to bring a stretcher because I think everyone froze. It was heartbreaking because she went into shock and it took a while until the medical team was there. For a while it was me, my husband and her physio.

"It was not easy as it is not about tennis any more. We are like a family and we want everyone to be OK. I hope it is not as bad as it seemed and she can have a quick recovery. I am very sad about everything that happened.

"Her knee was in a very weird position. I have never seen anything like this except in the movies. I panicked a little bit as well and called for help but no-one was coming and I tried to comfort here as much as I could but you could feel the pain. "

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Cirstea also thought the medics took too long to arrive on court.

She added: "We should probably watch the whole video to see what happened but I was there and it felt forever. It took a really long time not only for the stretcher to get there but I would say she was on the ground for 10-15 minutes and for me that is really long.

"It is zero about me it is about her. She is suffering and in hospital right now. I tried to help as much as I could and to comfort her because she is my friend and an unbelievable girl.

"You don't even want this to happen to your worst enemy never mind your friend. I was upset. I crossed over and saw the knee and have never seen anything like this in my life so I screamed for help because it was serious. I still remember the shock I had when I saw the knee."

Mattek-Sands and her partner Lucie Safarova were bidding for a fourth straight doubles grand slam title at Wimbledon.

Safarova was seen crying court side during the incident.

The Woman's Tennis Association said Mattek-Sands had suffered an acute knee injury and had been taken straight to hospital.

Former world No.1 Mary Pierce suffered a similar knee injury in 2006 - and never played again.