At a Glance
- Zeynep Sonmez paused her Australian Open match to help a ball girl who collapsed on court
- The 23-year-old caught the woman as she fainted and escorted her to medics
- Sonmez went on to upset world No. 11 Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets
- Why it matters: The Turkish player’s act of sportsmanship preceded the biggest victory of her career
Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sonmez demonstrated that human compassion trumps competition when she stopped her Australian Open match to aid a ball girl struggling in Melbourne’s extreme heat.
Mid-Match Emergency
During the Jan. 18 daytime clash against Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova, a ball girl positioned at the sidelines suddenly collapsed backward. Video footage shows the young woman briefly rising before stumbling again, clearly in distress.
Sonmez immediately signaled to halt play and rushed to the woman’s aid. The 23-year-old draped the ball girl’s arm across her shoulders, supporting her weight as they walked toward the on-site medical team. When the woman began to lose consciousness, Sonmez caught her in her arms.
“She was really struggling,” Sonmez told the BBC. “She said she was fine, but it was really obvious she was not fine. So I went to grab her and said, ‘Sit down and drink something, you’re not fine.’ As we were walking, she fainted, so luckily I grabbed her. She was really shaking.”
Extreme Conditions
The incident occurred as temperatures soared during daytime events at Melbourne Park. Organizers had already implemented extreme heat protocols, but the ball girl’s collapse highlighted the dangerous conditions facing court personnel.
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | January 18, 2026 |
| Temperature | High levels during daytime |
| Delay Duration | 6 minutes |
| Medical Response | On-site medics treated ball girl |
The heat is expected to intensify further in the coming days, raising concerns about player and staff safety during the tournament’s crucial stages.
Historic Victory
Following the six-minute delay, Sonmez returned to the court and delivered the performance of her career. The world No. 112 dominated Alexandrova, ranked 101 spots higher at No. 11, in straight sets.
This victory carries significant historical weight – Sonmez became the first Turkish woman to ever advance to the Australian Open second round. The upset represents a major breakthrough for Turkish tennis on the sport’s biggest stage.
“I always say it is more important to be a good human being than a good tennis player,” Sonmez reflected. “It was just my instinct to help her and I think everyone would do the same. I’m happy I got to help.”
Rising Star
The win caps an impressive run for Sonmez, who has steadily climbed the WTA rankings over the past year. Her current position at No. 112 marks a career-high, with this Australian Open appearance representing her deepest run at a Grand Slam tournament.
The Turkish player’s combination of athletic skill and character has drawn praise from tennis commentators and fans worldwide. Her actions on Jan. 18 demonstrate the values that extend beyond winning matches.
Tournament Impact
The incident prompted renewed discussions about heat management protocols at the Australian Open. Ball kids, who often stand for hours in direct sun, face particular challenges during extreme weather events.
Tournament officials have indicated they will review safety procedures following the collapse. The upcoming week’s forecast of even higher temperatures has intensified focus on protecting all court personnel.
Sportsmanship Recognition
While Grand Slam tournaments typically highlight athletic achievements, Sonmez’s compassionate response to the emergency situation has earned widespread recognition. Her decision to prioritize another person’s wellbeing over competitive advantage exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship.
The tennis community has rallied behind Sonmez’s actions, with fellow players and fans praising her quick thinking under pressure. Her instinctive response to help someone in need has resonated beyond the tennis world.
Key Takeaways
- Zeynep Sonmez’s match against Ekaterina Alexandrova was interrupted when a ball girl collapsed from heat exhaustion
- The Turkish player caught the fainting woman and escorted her to medical personnel
- After the delay, Sonmez defeated the world No. 11 to become the first Turkish woman to reach the Australian Open second round
- Extreme heat conditions continue to challenge players and staff at Melbourne Park
