Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Tennis, Australian Open
Marcus Chan
A player at the Australian Open was forced to step in after a worrying incident involving a ball girl.
On Sunday, the first Grand Slam of the 2026 tennis season got underway in Melbourne, Australia.
In the men's draw, world number one Carlos Alcaraz sailed through after beating Adam Walton 6-3, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2.
Great Britain's Cameron Norrie came through a thriller against Benjamin Bonzi 6-0, 6-7 (2-7), 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, to secure a place in the second round.
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The first upset of the men's draw was produced by British youngster Arthur Fery, who dispatched 20th seed Flavio Cobolli 7-6(7-1), 6-4, 6-1.
In the women's draw, there was also a shock as Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sonmez stunned 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova inside the 1573 Arena.
The 23-year-old is through to the next round after winning 7-5, 4-6, 6-4.
However, during the match between Sonmez and Alexandrova, there was a worrying moment as a ball girl struggled under the intense Melbourne heat.
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As Sonmez was ready to receive serve in the ninth game of the second set, a ball girl was seen wobbling, losing balance and stumbling backwards right next to the umpire's chair.
The young girl stood back up quickly, but was evidently struggling, as a result, Sonmez lifted up her hand to stop play.
The Turkish star then walked over to help the struggling ball girl, who was aided towards the shaded areas.
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As per the Daily Mail, Tennis Australia went on to confirm that the youngster received medical attention at Melbourne Park and was later allowed to return home.
Speaking about the incident after the match, Sonmez said: "She was really struggling. She said she was fine but it was really obvious she was not fine.
"So I went to grab her and said 'sit down and drink something, you're not fine'."
She continued: "As we were walking, she fainted so luckily I grabbed her. She was really shaking. I always say it is more important to be a good human being than a good tennis player.
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"It was just my instinct to help her and I think everyone would do the same. I'm happy I got to help."