The match between Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zeynep Sonmez was paused on the first day of the Australian Open when a ball kid collapsed at the side of the court
A ball kid’s collapse brought play to a halt on day one of the Australian Open, with both players rushing to assist as medical help was summoned.
The incident occurred during the match between No. 11 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zeynep Sonmez, just as the Russian was fighting back from a set and a break down. Sonmez had been on track to pull off a shock result, but Alexandrova had found her rhythm and broken serve twice to give herself the opportunity to serve out the second set at 5-3.
That’s when the ball kid went down at the side of the 1573 Arena court. Both players immediately rushed over, joined by court attendants, as the umpire called for medical assistance and informed spectators that play would be suspended.
“The umpire is making an official announcement that the match will sort of be paused while help is on the way,” commentator Catherine Whitaker said, reports the Express. “The most important thing is the welfare of the ball kid, but in terms of the match, this is tough on Alexandrova, who is serving.”
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Sonmez in particular was hailed for her reaction. One fan wrote on on X: “Class act from Sonmez.” Another added: “Big respect to her.” A third wrote: “It is very nice and rare to behave humanely without losing your humanity. Zeynep behaved as an athlete should.”
The timing couldn’t have been worse for Alexandrova – she was at deuce on her serve when the stoppage occurred. Medical staff eventually arrived, and the ball kid was helped to their feet and escorted off court to applause from the crowd.
The interruption appeared to disrupt Alexandrova’s flow, and she was broken when play got back underway. Turkish supporters inside the 1573 Arena erupted in celebration, chanting and cheering for Sonmez.
However, the qualifier was broken straight back, and Alexandrova clinched the set 6-4 to force a deciding third set. The Russian started strong in the decisive third set, breaking serve immediately.
However, Sonmez held her nerve to clinch a stunning 7-5 4-6 6-4 victory in front of her supporters in the crowd. Alexandrova will now shift her focus to the women’s doubles, where she’ll partner with Venus Williams.
Melbourne was bathed in warmth, with the mercury hitting 28 degrees Celsius, and it wasn’t just the ball kid who found the conditions challenging. Canadian qualifier Liam Draxl called for medical assistance multiple times during his first-round match against Damir Dzumhur in the men’s singles draw, having his vital signs monitored.
