During a mixed doubles match at the Australian Open, a ball boy collapsed due to extreme heat in Margaret Arena. Players Tim Putz and Demi Schuur noticed the boy’s distress after celebrating a point. Medical personnel attended to him, and he was eventually taken out on a wheelchair but confirmed to be unharmed. The incident highlighted concerns over the scorching temperatures, reportedly around 32°C, affecting everyone involved in the tournament. Commentary from figures like John McEnroe emphasized the challenges posed by the heat. The match continued, with JP Smith and Kimberly Birrell emerging victorious two sets to one.
- A baseball player collapses during a mixed doubles match at the Australian Open.
- The incident occurred in the sweltering surroundings of Margaret Arena.
There was an alarming scene at the Australian Open where a ball boy collapsed during a match.
The incident occurred during a mixed doubles match between Tim Putz and Demi Schuur against JP Smith and Kimberly Birrell.
In sweltering weather at Melbourne’s Margaret Arena, attention quickly turned to the ball kid.
The Mirror reported that after Pewts and Schuls celebrated the point, they realized something was wrong.
Pewts ran to the child, who appeared to have passed out in his arms.
Match officials also checked the child’s health before medical personnel entered the scene. The ball kids left the stadium in wheelchairs.
Concerning scene where ball boy collapses during match at Australian Open
The accident occurred during a mixed doubles match, but the ball boy was confirmed to be unharmed.
Germany’s Tim Puetz was playing during the match (Photo dated January 11, 2025)
Staff members held up towels to protect the ball boy from the crowd.
Tennis Australia later confirmed that the ball player was in good spirits.
“Obviously there was a little bit of pain,” Chris Bradnam said on commentary. The weather continues to be extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. You will need an ice pack and hydration immediately. ”
“It’s not what you want to see, but everyone is trying their best to help. Help is on the way. It’s not easy for anyone,” Anne Keotavong said.
John McEnroe also commented on the incident, referring to the scorching situation.
“The situation is quite dire,” he said. The current temperature is around 32℃. Hard court surfaces and cement surfaces will burn even more.
“Obviously, a quick start is important. That’s why we saw Draper stop playing, why we saw him suffer other injuries in five sets of three because of the heat. I think so.
“Davidovich Fokina did the same thing. You just don’t have the same will. I’m sitting here wondering if you’re going to pass out like that poor ball boy.”
Australia’s Kimberly Birrell also appeared (Photo taken on January 14, 2025)
“I just saw a ball kid pass out from the heat today,” said player Rachel Stringer. It’s hot outside. This situation is a challenge not only for the players, but also for everyone involved in making this tournament a success. You’ll see them being driven off the court in cars. ”
Smith and Birrell won the match two sets to one.
The tournament will begin on January 12th and run until January 26th.
