Australian Open
Both players rushed to the ball girl’s aid after she collapsed on court (Picture: Wide World of Sports Twitter)

An Australian Open ball girl had to be helped off the court after collapsing during a first-round match in dramatic scenes on day one of the tournament.

The concerning incident took place during Pedro Martinez’s 7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 win over Federico Delbonis of Argentina on Court 17 at Melbourne Park.

During the first set tie-break, footage showed Delbonis suddenly rushing to the far end of the court where the ball girl had collapsed.

Having fallen to the floor, Delbonis shouted for help as he made his way over to the young girl while Martinez also came to her aid.

Two line judges eventually helped pick the shaken youngster off the floor and escorted her to a chair to be assessed.

It’s not known why she collapsed but reports on social media suggest the heat could have played a part with temperatures expected to reach 30 degrees this week.

The ball girl was checked over by medical staff and later, reportedly, collected by her parents.

The first day of action in Melbourne wasn’t short of incidents with home favourite John Millman winning his first-round match against Feliciano Lopez as the Spaniard complained to the umpire about fans shouting during this serve.

There were even reports of fans clashing in the stands after the four-set match.

‘The crowd was a bit rowdy. Everyone’s had a couple of drinks and enjoyed themselves,’ Millman said after his win.

‘You don’t want people throwing punches, because we are the happy slam and meant to have a bit of fun.’

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