Shocking moment: Young tennis player collapses during press conference

By Chloe Whelan, News.com.au

Witness the heart-stopping moment when tennis icon Alicia Molik interrupted a press conference to provide assistance to a young girl who suddenly collapsed on the court behind her.

The former world No. 8 and two-time grand slam doubles champion was recently announced as the new tournament director for the Adelaide International.

Despite the significant news, Molik’s media appearance did not prevent her from springing into action when a medical crisis unfolded.

During a journalist’s question, a loud thud caught Molik’s attention and that of several others present at the event.

The 42-year-old acted swiftly upon realizing the cause of the noise – a young player had collapsed on center court and appeared unresponsive.

Molik rushed to the aid of the girl, Jasmine, and provided basic first aid by positioning her to clear her airway.

She stayed with the teenager until paramedics arrived to transport her to the hospital.

Jasmine had been playing tennis for two hours before collapsing, as reported by the Adelaide Advertiser.

Jasmine is currently recuperating in the hospital.

Jasmine’s collapse occurred after Molik expressed her desire to give back to Adelaide’s tennis community in her new position.

Molik’s new role brings her back to her home state of South Australia, following her ten-year tenure as the captain of the Billie Jean King Cup team, representing Australia in international women’s tennis.

Reflecting on her new role, Molik stated, “Tennis is part of my everyday DNA and to have the opportunity to be a part of a world-class tennis event in the city where I grew up is really something special.”

She added, “This is a chance for me to give back to the community that supported me throughout my on-court career and still to this day.”

Addressing her departure from the Billie Jean King Cup team, Molik expressed confidence in the team’s future prospects.

“Women’s tennis in Australia has been, from a team’s perspective, in a really strong position,” she mentioned after the finals two weeks ago.

Molik also shared her high hopes for aspiring Australian tennis players, predicting a bright future for junior talent in the country.

“In the next few years, I feel like we’ll have a lot more of our junior players in the senior team because we’ve some really great young talents in Australian tennis,” Molik said.

“I think they’re in a wonderful position, but I don’t think they need me any more. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll still be a big supporter of these women, because they are genuine. They’re very good friends of mine and I just can’t wait to see what’s in store for them.”

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