Zeynep Sönmez Aids Fainting Ball Girl at Australian Open Match
During a recent Australian Open match, Turkish tennis player Zeynep Sönmez demonstrated commendable sportsmanship by aiding a ball girl who fainted. The incident took place while Sönmez was competing against Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova.
Zeynep Sönmez Aids Fainting Ball Girl
As the match progressed into the second set, Sönmez was preparing to receive a serve when the ball girl staggered and fell. Although she initially got back up, Sönmez recognized that something was wrong. She promptly called for a stoppage in play to assist the young girl.
Immediate Response
The chair umpire joined Sönmez as she approached the ball girl, providing crucial help in a tense moment. Sönmez put her arm around the ball girl to support her as they made their way off the court. Unfortunately, the girl collapsed again but was safely caught by Sönmez.
- Incident Duration: Play was paused for six minutes.
- Conditions: Temperatures reached 82°F, expected to rise to 95°F by next weekend.
Aftermath and Match Results
After ensuring the ball girl received medical assistance, Sönmez returned to the match. She achieved a remarkable upset, defeating the 11th-seeded Alexandrova with a final score of 7-5, 4-6, 6-4.
In her post-match interview, Sönmez shared her concerns for the ball girl. “She was really struggling,” she told BBC Sport. “It was clear she needed help, and I was instinctively driven to assist her.”
Zeynep Sönmez’s actions highlight the importance of humanity in sports, emphasizing that being a good person often outweighs athletic prowess. “I believe many would do the same in my position,” she remarked. “I felt it was essential to help.”
