Zeynep Sonmez drew attention at the Australian Open for more than her play after she rushed to assist a ball kid who fainted next to the court during her match.
The incident occurred during the second set of play as the World No. 112-ranked player was going head-to-head with the tournament’s 11-seed in Ekaterina Alexandrova.
This prompted a temporary stoppage, as well as praise from fans and officials as Sonmez, 23, helped tend to a ball kid who suddenly collapsed near the sideline.
Play was immediately halted as on-court staff and medical personnel moved in to care for the child.
Sonmez, who was closest to the situation, quickly crossed the court to check on and help stabilize the kid.
Sonmez guided the kid off the court, and at one point, even catching the kid as she fainted.
Zeynep Sonmez of Turkey and umpire Chase Urban help a ball kid who fainted from the court during her first round match against Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 18, 2026. AP
Tournament staff quickly brought water and medical equipment while Sonmez remained nearby, communicating with officials.
Sonmez’s reaction was widely shared on social media afterward.
In a note of bad news, good news, Sonmez subsequently lost the set.
The girl, who was positioned beside the chair umpire, suddenly wobbled and fell on her back during the match. AFP via Getty Images
She did, however, go on to win the contest 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 to pull off the upset.
In winning, Sonmez becomes the first woman from Turkey to reach Round 2 of the Australian Open in a contest that will take place Tuesday.
In 2025, she made it to the third round of Wimbledon, which is the best Grand Slam result for a Turkish woman during the professional era of tennis.