AUS Open moment that mattered: Zeynep Sonmez rushes to aid fainting ball girl

Türkiye’s Zeynep Sonmez advanced to the second round of the Australian Open after a dramatic first-round match that was briefly halted when she rushed to assist a ball girl who collapsed courtside amid soaring Melbourne temperatures.

World No. 112 Sonmez stopped play in the second set as the ball girl fainted beside the chair umpire. The Turkish player immediately ran over, supported her by the shoulder and guided her to a chair, ensuring medical staff could attend to her. The moment drew loud applause from the crowd and widespread praise for Sonmez’s sportsmanship.

Sonmez went on to defeat Russia’s 11th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, becoming the first woman from Türkiye to reach the second round of the season’s opening Grand Slam. “I always say it’s more important to be a good human being than a good tennis player,” Sonmez told the BBC. “It was just my instinct to help her. I’m happy I got to help.” Tournament organisers later confirmed the ball girl was treated and allowed to return home.

Recounting the incident, Sonmez said the warning signs were clear.
“She said she was fine, but it was obvious she wasn’t. I told her to sit down and drink something. As we were walking, she fainted, so luckily I grabbed her. She was really shaking.”

Despite losing the second set after the interruption, Sonmez regained her composure to close out the match. She later waved to supporters as she left the court wrapped in the Turkish flag, with fans celebrating inside the 1573 Arena at Melbourne Park.

The victory adds to a strong run for Sonmez, who reached the third round at Wimbledon in 2025 — the best Grand Slam result by a Turkish woman in the professional era — and also made the second round at the US Open. Her Australian Open campaign marks another milestone in Türkiye’s tennis history.