The Australian Open is no stranger to searing heat, with temperatures often climbing beyond 40°C [104°F] despite safeguards like the Extreme Heat Policy. Yet even those measures could not fully tame Melbourne’s fury. And during Ekaterina Alexandrova’s match on the opening day of the “Happy Slam,” play was briefly stopped after a ball kid collapsed, highlighting the harsh impact of the heat even at tennis’ biggest stage.

During the match between Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zeynep Sonmez, play was stopped for several minutes. The incident occurred at 1573 Arena under bright and sunny conditions. It brought an unexpected pause in the intense opening-round contest.

As Alexandrova served for the second set to level the match, a ball girl standing beside the umpire’s chair suddenly fell flat on her back. She quickly tried to get up, but it was clear she was shaken by the conditions.

Sonmez reacted immediately. She sprinted across the court and helped the ball girl walk to the side. The player stayed with her until the medical staff arrived. The girl was placed in the shade to receive treatment.

Alexandrova also stepped in to help. She went to the fridge and brought ice bags for the ball girl. Both players showed concern as officials ensured the situation was under control.

The ball girl managed to get back on her feet shortly after. Medical staff then helped her off the court. Play resumed after a six-minute delay once it was confirmed she was stable.

The interruption came with Sonmez in control of the match. She had already won the first set. The score stood at 5-7, 5-3 (40-40) deuce when play was halted.

Tennis Australia later confirmed the girl received medical attention on-site. She was then sent home as a precaution. Officials stressed that player and staff welfare remained a priority.

Temperatures reached 82.4°F at Melbourne Park on Sunday. Forecasts suggest the mercury could climb to 95°F by Saturday, January 24. The AO updated its extreme heat policy in 2019 to better manage such conditions.

That research led to the heat stress scale, which determines when conditions become unsafe. The scale reached 5, but it read 2.8 during this match, with advice to increase hydration. 

Later, Alexandrova won the second set, yet world number 112 Sonmez rallied to seal a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 upset. It was the biggest win of her career and her first second-round appearance in Melbourne. 

And for the readers, similar heat-related incidents involving ball kids have also occurred in recent weeks, building to the AO.

Australian Open qualifier halted after ball kid collapses courtside

Before the incident in Alexandrova’s match, a similar scare had already unfolded at Melbourne Park. A ball kid collapsed on the opening day of AO qualifying on Monday. The moment raised concern during a first-round match between Tunisian player Moez Echargui and France’s Luca Van Assche.

The incident occurred during a break in play. Television cameras showed Echargui towelling off between points. As the 22nd seed moved back to the baseline, the ball kid positioned behind him appeared unsteady and then fell to the ground.

Echargui reacted immediately. He left his position and sprinted toward the fallen youngster. 

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At the same time, he called out to courtside officials for help. His quick response ensured the ball kid was not left unattended.

An AO official also rushed onto the court. Within moments, the ball kid began to recover and managed to stand up. This eased the immediate concern among players, officials, and spectators.

Echargui remained close to the ball kid. Tournament staff and the chair umpire also assisted. Together, they helped steady the youngster and made sure they were safe.

The swift response from everyone involved helped calm the situation. What had briefly become a tense moment quickly turned into a controlled and caring response.

The ball kid was then guided away from the court. They were taken to the side and placed under a parasol. There, they could rest and receive proper care away from the sun.

A Tennis Australia representative arrived soon after. The official assessed the ball kid’s condition and monitored their well-being. The youngster appeared to recover well after leaving the playing area.

Play resumed after the short delay. Van Assche later went on to win the match in straight sets. 

The incident highlighted the physical demands of tennis environments, especially in hot conditions. With temperatures expected to rise, stronger protective measures may be needed as the tournament progresses.