Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez rescued a ball boy who collapsed from heat stroke and helped Turkey to a historic win at the Australian Open in qualifying.
Sonmez became the first Turkish woman to advance to the second round of the Australian Open after defeating No. 11 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 at 1573 Arena.
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In the middle of the game, when Sonmez was about to receive the serve, the ball boy standing under the referee’s chair fell backwards, but still seemed unsteady when he stood up.
On the opening day in Melbourne, the sun was shining brightly and the temperature was as high as 28 degrees Celsius. Sonmez came to the ball girl and helped her off the court, and the referee stopped the game.
Sonmez intervened in time, and the ball girl fainted again when she was helped to a shady seat. Tournament officials and medical staff intervened to provide her with water.
Türkiye’s Zenep Sonmes reacts on match point against Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova (AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of Türkiye’s Zeynep Sonmez cheer (AFP via Getty Images)
When play resumed after a brief delay, it took Somez two hours and 27 minutes to complete her victory over world number 11 Alexandrova, a feat that continued as the 23-year-old advanced through qualifying and into the main draw.
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Somez also made history at last year’s Wimbledon when she became the first Turkish player to reach the third round of a Grand Slam. Her victory at the Australian Open came amid a raucous atmosphere, with many fans waving Turkish flags.