Sonmez Advances to Australian Open Second Round with Unconventional Assist

Turkish Qualifier Assists Fainting Ball Girl During Australian Open Match

In a dramatic turn of events during Sunday’s first-round match at the Australian Open, Zeynep Sonmez, a 23-year-old Turkish qualifier, rushed to aid a ball girl who had fainted in the hot Melbourne heat. The incident occurred when the ball girl, positioned beside the chair umpire, suddenly wobbled and fell on her back during the second set.

Sonmez immediately stopped play and ran towards the girl, putting her arm over her shoulder and guiding her to a seat where medical staff could provide treatment. Despite losing the set, Sonmez went on to secure a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 win and advance to the second round of the tournament.

The crowd applauded as Sonmez assisted the ball girl, who had picked herself up but stumbled again moments later. The Turkish player’s actions earned her widespread praise from fans in attendance, many of whom waved red-and-white flags in support.

Sonmez’s victory marks a significant milestone for women’s tennis in Turkey, following her success at Wimbledon and the US Open last year. In an interview earlier this year, Sonmez expressed her desire to make a positive impact on the world, stating that she would be involved in helping people if she were not a professional athlete.

Medical staff attended to the ball girl after Sonmez’s assistance, and the crowd favourite walked off the court wrapped in the Turkish flag.

Source: Al Jazeera