Worrying scenes unfolded at Melbourne Park during the first day of Australian Open qualifying after a ball kid collapsed during a match.
French star Luca van Assche advanced to the second round of qualifying with a 6-4, 6-4 victory against Tunisian No 22 seed Moez Echargui on Monday.
Van Assche had taken a 2-1 lead in the second set and had been preparing to serve to his opponent when the ball kid, who was standing behind the baseline, stumbled forward and fell onto the ground behind Echargui.
The Tunisian star turned around and rushed to the aid of the young ball kid while calling for help from the sidelines.
Thankfully, the ball kid was helped back to their feet and was helped from the court by the umpire and Echargui.
The ball kid sat down on the sidelines underneath a parasol, with another Tennis Australia representative seen arriving to check her wellbeing. It is unclear what caused the incident.
Daily Mail has contacted Tennis Australia for comment.
More to follow…
