Physio Urgently Attends as Australian Open Star’s Vitals Are Checked
Day one of the Australian Open brought concerning moments as players faced unforeseen health challenges during their matches. Canadian qualifier Liam Draxl and Italian No. 20 seed Flavio Cobolli both required medical attention for physical difficulties while competing on the court.
Health Concerns at the Australian Open
Liam Draxl’s Vitals Checked
During his opening match against Damir Dzumhur, Liam Draxl, aged 24, struggled with his health. After losing the first set 7-5, Draxl called for a trainer as temperatures soared to 28 degrees Celsius. The physio assessed his vitals, checked his blood pressure, and provided him with medication.
Draxl’s condition did not improve. He was broken in the opening game of the second set, losing momentum as the crowd rallied behind him. He lost the second set 6-0 in just 21 minutes. The physio returned to inquire about his symptoms, discussing possible cramping, but ultimately no medical timeout was called, and Draxl chose to continue playing.
Flavio Cobolli’s Stomach Issue
Flavio Cobolli faced his own set of challenges during his match against British qualifier Arthur Fery. He dealt with severe stomach issues that arose shortly before the match. Despite his efforts to manage the situation, Cobolli lost 7-6(1), 6-4, 6-1 and frequently called for his trainer throughout the match.
In a post-match interview, Cobolli explained that he experienced pain as soon as he stepped onto the court. He attempted to remedy the situation with medication, but it did not provide immediate relief. He noted, “I lost a lot of fluids, and my energy plummeted” after finally managing to reach the bathroom.
Recap of Day One
- Liam Draxl: Struggled with health, vitals checked during match.
- Flavio Cobolli: Experienced stomach issues, required multiple trainer visits.
- Match Conditions: High temperatures reached 28 degrees Celsius.
The Australian Open’s first day showcased the physical demands of elite tennis. Both Draxl and Cobolli exemplified how quickly health issues can arise, impacting performance and outcomes on the court.
