Agencies
MELBOURNE, JANUARY 23
Play was suspended indefinitely on Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open on Saturday after Ana Ivanovic's coach Nigel Sears required medical attention inside the stadium.
The former world number one was playing at the time in a third round clash against American Madison Keys and was leading 6-4, 1-0 when the incident occurred during a changeover.
Ivanovic appeared extremely concerned as she looked on, before the players were taken off court as medics attended Sears on a stairway. He was later stretchered away.
"The match on RLA between Ana Ivanovic & Madison Keys has been suspended indefinitely while someone in the crowd receives assistance," organisers tweeted.
The Australian Open live blog identified him as Sears, who is not only Ivanovic's coach but also the father of Andy Murray's pregnant wife Kim Sears.Murray was playing on the neighbouring Margaret Court Arena, watched by his mother Judy. It was Ivanovic's second match in a row interrupted by a medical emergency. She was left badly shaken when an elderly spectator fell on a flight of stairs during her match in the same arena on Thursday.
ESPN's courtside reporter, former player Pam Shriver, said she had been told by Ivanovic's team that Sears had complained of feeling unwell 30 minutes before the match.
She said he was conscious and had been taken to hospital.
Tournament organisers had no immediate update on his condition, but play resumed just under an hour later with Ivanovic looking composed.
It was Ivanovic's second match in a row interrupted by a medical emergency. She was left badly shaken when an elderly spectator fell on a flight of stairs during her match in the same arena on Thursday.
