Ballkid Collapses in Heat During Australian Open Match as Sonmez Upsets Alexandrova

Overview

• The ballkid fainted near the chair late in the second set while Ekaterina Alexandrova was serving, prompting immediate on-court help from both players.
• Zeynep Sonmez supported the girl and Alexandrova fetched ice before medical staff arrived, and play was halted for several minutes.
• Temperatures at Melbourne Park were about 28°C during the incident, with forecasts indicating 36–40°C later this week.
• After the restart, qualifier Sonmez, ranked No. 112, defeated the No. 11 seed 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 in what local reports called the biggest win of her career.
• The victory sends Sonmez to the second round to face the winner of Elizabeth Mandlik versus Anna Bondar.