Home Australia Australian Open ball boy collapses mid-match due to extreme heat – as play is halted amid worrying scenes in Melbourne

Australian Open ball boy collapses mid-match due to extreme heat – as play is halted amid worrying scenes in Melbourne

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Ball boy collapsed in the middle of Australian Open match in worrying scenes
  • Ball boy collapses during mixed doubles match at Australian Open
  • The incident occurred amid sweltering conditions at the Margaret Arena.

A ball boy collapsed in the middle of an Australian Open match in worrying scenes.

The incident occurred during a mixed doubles match when Tim Puetz and Demi Schuurs were facing JP Smith and Kimberly Birrell.

In the sweltering conditions of Melbourne’s Margaret Arena, attention quickly turned to the ball boy.

As reported by The mirrorPuetz and Schuurs realized something was wrong after celebrating a point.

Puetz ran toward the boy, who appeared to faint in his arms.

The match referee also checked the child’s well-being before medical staff entered the scene. The ball boy left the stadium in a wheelchair.

Ball boy collapsed in the middle of Australian Open match in worrying scenes

The incident occurred during a mixed doubles match, and the ball boy was confirmed to be fine.

The incident occurred during a mixed doubles match, and the ball boy was confirmed to be fine.

Tim Puetz of Germany was in action during the match (Photo from January 11, 2025)

Tim Puetz of Germany was in action during the match (Photo from January 11, 2025)

Staff members held up towels in an attempt to protect the ball boy from the crowd.

Tennis Australia later confirmed that the “ball boy is fine”.

Speaking about the comments, Chris Bradnam said: “There was clearly a bit of distress. It’s been a scorching day, over 30 degrees Celsius. I need an ice pack and some liquid ASAP.

Anne Keothavong said: “It’s not what you want to see, but everyone is doing their best to help.” Help is on the way. It’s not easy for anyone.

John McEnroe also commented on the incident referencing the scorching conditions.

He said: ‘The conditions are quite brutal. Currently the temperature is about 32 degrees Celsius. Even toastier when you’re on a hard court surface, the cement surface.

‘It goes without saying that it is important to start quickly. I think that’s why you saw Draper stop playing, the heat affected him, you saw he had other injuries in the three five-set matches.

Davidovich Fokina did the same. You just don’t have the same will. I’m sitting here thinking I’m going to pass out like that poor ball boy.

Kimberly Birrell from Australia also appeared (Photo from January 14, 2025)

Kimberly Birrell from Australia also appeared (Photo from January 14, 2025)

Rachel Stringer said: ‘We have just seen that a ball boy has fainted due to the extreme heat today. It’s hot out there. The conditions are testing not only the players but everyone involved in making this tournament a success. You can see them being carried off the field.’

Smith and Birrell won the match two sets to one.

The tournament began on January 12 and will continue until January 26.

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