WATCH: ATP stars quick to aid collapsed Australian Open ball kid
Pedro Martinez and Federico Delbonis were contesting a tight opening round Australian Open tie when they were called upon to come to the aid of one of the ball girls.
There was nothing between the two with Martinez about to serve to stay in the opening set at 8-9 in the tiebreak when a ball girl fell to the ground behind Delbonis.
Both sprinted over to check on her before helping her to a seat at the side of the court.
Federico Delbonis and Pedro Martinez, take a bow. 👏👏 Didn’t hesitate to help a ballkid who’d just collapsed in the heat. 🙏#AusOpen – Live on Channel 9 and 9Now pic.twitter.com/oJH0H97W6M
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 17, 2022
Australian broadcaster 7News reported the ball kid was seen to by tournament medical staff and, after resting in the ball kids’ lounge, her condition improved.
The ATP pair played a further 15 points in the titanic tiebreak, with Martinez eventually sealed it 17-15 on his ninth set point.
He went on to win the match over his Argentinian competitor in four sets and just under four hours to progress to the second round.
There he will face another South American opponent in 16th seed Cristian Garin for a shot at the Australian Open third round.
🎾 Read >> Breaking tennis news
🎾 Follow >> 24/7 LIVE scores
🎾 Free >> Receive our legendary newsletter
🎾 Join >> Tennishead CLUB, the world’s only virtual tennis club
🎾 Social >>Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube
🎾 Order >> World’s best tennis magazine
🎾 Shop >> Lowest price tennis gear from our trusted retail partner