10SBALLS REPORTS ON THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN TENNIS AND NIGEL SEARS HEALTH ISSUES

Written by: Staff on 23rd January 2016

10SBALLS REPORTS ON THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN TENNIS AND NIGEL SEARS HEALTH ISSUES

epa05120052 Officials and paramedics prepare a stretcher to carry Nigel Sears, coach of Serbia's Ana Ivanovic, after he collapsed on the stairs of the Rod Laver arena during the third round match between Ivanovic and Madison Keys of the USA at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 23 January 2016. EPA/FILIP SINGER |

As the evening session started it was a family affair, Andy Murray playing the first night match on Margaret Court Arena, while father-in-law and coach to Ana Ivanovic, Nigel Sears was watching his charge go a set up against Madison Keys.

Ivanovic had already been somewhat shaken by a patron falling heavily and requiring medical attention in her previous round, but no-one could have predicted that her coach would feel unwell and leave, only to collapse on the stairs.

It became clear he was in medical difficulty and once Ana was aware, her distress was evident. Meanwhile on Margaret Court Arena, Murray was in difficulties of his own struggling in his second set against Joao Sousa.

In this day and age it is impossible to assume that by now the crowds in MCA did not know what was unfolding on RLA. As Twitter took off in a storm there were worrying moments on the main court as the announcement was made that play would be suspended indefinitely.

News filtered through that Sears was conscious, sitting up and able to speak after being stretchered off to a waiting ambulance and hospital and Keys and Ivanovic resumed their match.

Officials and paramedics carry Nigel Sears, coach of Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic, on a stretcher after he collapsed on the stairs of the Rod Laver arena during the third round match between Ivanovic and Madison Keys of the USA at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 23 January 2016. EPA/FILIP SINGER

Keys leveled and in a strange quirk of fate (as Murray also went 2-1 up in his match) they led 3-0 in what could be the decisive sets in their matches.

Murray was the first over the line, and thankfully the organisers got him off court without the need for an on-court interview, nor any of the usual press obligations, quite rightly.

Meanwhile back on Rod Laver Arena Ivanovic’s bravery was unraveling by the point, as Keys shifted momentum back to her end of the court. It was hell of a battle as Keys closed out what must have been a tough match for both players.

With both Murray and Ivanovic heading straight for the hospital – it was just a night where the tennis seemed a little unimportant in the grand scheme of things, and we wish Nigel Sears the very best in his recovery.

Former US tennis player Pam Shriver speaks with crowd members as play is suspended after Nigel Sears, coach of Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic, collapsed on the stairs of the Rod Laver arena during the third round match between Ivanovic and Madison Keys of the USA at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 23 January 2016. EPA/JULIAN SMITH

Topics: 10sballs.com, 2016 Australian Open, Ana Ivanovic, Andy Murray, Melbourne, Nigel Sears, Tennis News

Follow 10SBALLS.COM on:

Facebook:

Twitter:

dusanVemic says:

January 23, 2016 at 3:30 pm

RT @10sBalls_com: 10sBalls Reports On The #AustralianOpen #Tennis And Nigel Sears Health Issues
https://t.co/mJaPJsgJQ7 #AusOpen2016 https…