Australian Open 2026: Zeynep Sonmez helps the ball girl who collapsed during her victory over Ekaterina Alexandrova

Turkish Zeynep Sonmez said that being a “good person” is more important than being a good tennis player, after she helped carry a girl who fainted during her first-round match at the Australian Open.

While Sonmez’s opponent, Ekaterina Alexandrova, was serving in the second set, the ball girl – who was standing next to the referee’s chair – fell on her back before quickly getting up.

Sonmez quickly helped her walk to the side of the playground, where the child received medical care in the shade.

The football girl was able to get back to her feet and the medical staff helped her off the field, with play resuming after a six-minute delay.

“She was really suffering,” Sonmez told BBC Sport. “She said she was fine, but it was clear she was not fine.”

“So I went to grab her and said, ‘Sit down and drink something, you’re not feeling well.’”

“While we were walking she fainted, and luckily I caught her. She was really shaking.”

The Australian Tennis Association confirmed that the girl received medical care on site before returning home.

Sonmez, ranked 112th in the world, added, “I always say that being a good human being is more important than being a good tennis player.”

“My instinct was to help her and I think everyone would do the same. I’m glad I got help.”