Distressing scenes unfolded on Margaret Court Arena during a mixed doubles match at the Australian Open on Sunday when a ball kid collapsed due to extreme heat. The match between Tim Puetz and Demi Schuurs against Australian duo JP Smith and Kimberly Birrell was briefly halted as medics rushed to assist the unwell child.
A frightening moment mid-match
As Puetz and Schuurs attempted to recover from losing the first set, fans alerted the players and umpire to a ball kid appearing faint at the baseline. Puetz immediately rushed to the child’s side, putting his arm around them as they collapsed. The umpire swiftly called for medical assistance, while players and officials gathered to help.
“There clearly was a little bit of distress,” commentator Chris Bradnam noted. “It’s been a scorcher of a day, over 30 degrees Celsius. Need an ice pack and some fluid pretty quickly.”
Anne Keothavong added, “Not what you want to see but everyone is doing their best to help. Help is on the way. Not easy out there for anyone.”
Heat and hard courts: a dangerous combination
Sunday marked the hottest day of the tournament so far, with temperatures reaching over 32°C (90°F). On-court conditions were even more grueling due to the heat radiating from the hardcourt surface. Tennis legend John McEnroe commented on the brutal conditions:
“Even toastier when you’re on a hardcourt surface, the cement surface. Needless to say, it’s important to get a quick start. It’s testing for everyone, not just the players.”
Immediate medical attention and recovery
Medics arrived promptly and provided care to the ball kid, who was later taken off the court in a wheelchair. Staff held towels to offer privacy during the incident, and Eurosport cut away from the live broadcast.
“We just saw a ball kid has fainted due to the extreme heat today,” Rachel Stringer reported. “It’s hot out there. The conditions are testing not just for the players but for everybody involved in making this tournament a success. Our thoughts are with that kid, and we hope for a speedy recovery.”
The child was later confirmed to have fainted due to the extreme heat.
Heat challenges extend to players
The oppressive conditions have already taken a toll on players, with Jack Draper and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina both struggling physically in their matches. Draper, who retired earlier in the day due to heat-related issues and injuries, highlighted how difficult it is to endure such weather, particularly after enduring grueling matches in previous rounds.
Calls for improved protocols
The incident has reignited discussions around player and staff safety at the Australian Open, especially during extreme heat. While the tournament has heat stress rules in place, incidents like this underscore the need for vigilance to protect everyone on the court.