A ball kid collapsed in worrying scenes on Margaret Court Arena during Tim Puetz and Demi Schuurs’ mixed doubles clash against JP Smith and Kimberly Birrell
There were alarming scenes at the Margaret Court Arena on Sunday when a ball kid collapsed during a match.
Tim Puetz and Demi Schuurs were playing against Aussie pair JP Smith and Kimberly Birrell in the mixed doubles when spectators alerted the players to a ball kid looking unwell. The day marked the hottest of the Australian Open so far.
After losing the first set, Puetz and Schuurs were attempting to regain their footing in the match, serving at 1-1. However, after celebrating a point, they quickly noticed that the ball kid at the baseline was not well.
Puetz hurried over and comforted the child, who seemed dizzy and fainted in his arms. The umpire called for assistance and both players and umpire rushed over. “There clearly was a little bit of distress.
“It’s been a scorcher of a day, over 30 degrees Celsius,” commented Chris Bradnam. Need an ice pack and some fluid pretty quickly.”
Anne Keothavong added: “Not what you want to see but everyone doing their best to help. Help is on the way. Not easy out there for anyone.”
Medical staff arrived promptly to assist the ball kid and were seen conversing with the child. “Horrible to see, they do such fantastic work,” remarked Bradnam.
Staff members held up towels to provide the ball kid with some privacy while the medics continued their aid and Eurosport diverted away from the match.
Analysts later confirmed that the child had fainted due to the extreme heat and left the court in a wheelchair. During the scorching conditions, Rachel Stringer revealed: “We just saw a ball kid has fainted due to the extreme heat today. It’s hot out there.”
She added about the harsh climate, “The conditions are testing not just for the players but for everybody involved in making this tournament a success. You can see them being wheeled off the court.”
Showing concern, she said, “We’re hoping they make a speedy recovery and it’s not too serious. Our thoughts are with that kid there.”