Day one of the Australian Open was marked by health concerns for several players, raising alarms among fans and medical staff alike. Canadian qualifier Liam Draxl found himself in a precarious situation during his match against Damir Dzumhur.
Health Issues on the Court
Draxl, 24, faced significant challenges during the match. After struggling through an intense first set, which he lost 7-5, Draxl called for medical assistance. The temperature in Melbourne soared to 28 degrees Celsius, exacerbating his condition.
Medical Response for Draxl
The physio checked Draxl’s blood pressure and provided him with medication. Despite his determination, he continued to struggle in the second set, where he was quickly broken in the opening game. As the fans rallied to support him, Draxl missed a crucial opportunity at 40-15 and faced another break.
Draxl ultimately lost the second set 6-0 in just 21 minutes. The physio returned to discuss his worsening condition, prompting the involvement of a doctor. There were no official medical timeouts, yet Draxl chose to continue playing.
Flavio Cobolli’s Stomach Issues
Draxl wasn’t the only player facing health difficulties. Flavio Cobolli, seeded No. 20, dealt with stomach issues during his match against British qualifier Arthur Fery. Cobolli called medical staff multiple times and sought bathroom breaks.
Challenges Faced by Cobolli
- Cobolli lost his match with scores of 7-6(1), 6-4, and 6-1.
- He reported that his stomach issues began only 30 minutes before the match.
- Despite warming up well, he experienced severe pain that affected his performance.
After taking medication, he briefly felt relief, but ultimately lost significant fluids and energy, contributing to his defeat.
The health concerns displayed on day one of the Australian Open highlight the physical demands on athletes in high-stakes matches. Players must navigate their peak performance while managing unexpected health challenges.
