Worrying scenes unfolded at Melbourne Park during the first day of Australian Open qualifying after a ball kid collapsed during a match.
French star Luca van Assche advanced to the second round of qualifying with a 6-4, 6-4 victory against Tunisian No 22 seed Moez Echargui on Monday.
Van Assche had taken a 2-1 lead in the second set and had been preparing to serve to his opponent when the ball kid, who was standing behind the baseline, stumbled forward and fell onto the ground behind Echargui.
The Tunisian star turned around and rushed to the aid of the young ball kid while calling for help from the sidelines.
Thankfully, the ball kid was helped back to their feet by Echargui. The ball kid was helped from the court by the umpire and the Tunisian.
The ball kid sat down on the sidelines underneath a parasol, with another Tennis Australia representative seen arriving to check their well-being. It is unclear what caused the incident.
Daily Mail has contacted Tennis Australia for comment.
Temperatures at Melbourne Park had reached a high of 21.9°C on Monday afternoon, as Echargui faced off against Van Assche.
The Tunisian star subsequently went 5-3 down in the set, and fought gallantly, dominating his opponent at the net, but was unable to hold off against his opponent’s power, with Van Assche serving out to love to win the second set 6-4.
More to follow…