A ball kid’s illness caused a delay in a match at the Australian Open between Greek player Stefano Tsitsipas and Japanese player Shintaro Mochizuki. Despite Mochizuki winning the first set 6-4, Tsitsipas rallied back to take the second set 6-3. However, at the beginning of the third set, a ball kid became ill near the court’s back, prompting a stop in play for medical attention.
The interruption puzzled TNT Sports’ commentators initially, who speculated about the reason for the halt. The match resumed after the affected ball kid received medical care, and the court was cleaned. Tsitsipas went on to win the next two sets 6-2, securing a second-round matchup against Czech player Tomas Machac.
This incident followed another episode earlier in the tournament where a ball kid fainted during a match between Zeynep Sonmez and Ekaterina Alexandrova. Sonmez quickly assisted the girl, ensuring she received help and the match resumed shortly after. Sonmez’s compassionate act was commended by TNT commentator Catherine Whitaker for her quick response and care for the ball kid’s well-being.
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