Footage has captured the moment Aussie tennis great Alicia Molik broke away from a press conference to help a young girl who collapsed unexpectedly on the court behind her.
The former world No. 8 and two-time grand slam doubles champion was announced as Adelaide International’s new tournament director on Thursday.
But a TV appearance revealing her new gig didn’t stop Molik from jumping into action when a medical emergency struck.
Molik was listening to a journalist’s question when a thudding noise erupted from the court behind her, causing several people at the event to turn.
The 42-year-old didn’t hesitate when she realised what has caused the sound — a young player who had collapsed centre-court and was lying, seemingly unresponsive, on the ground.
Molik sprinted over to the girl, named Jasmine, and administered basic first aid, rolling her onto her side to help clear her airway.
She sat with the teenager until paramedics arrived to transfer her to hospital.
Jasmine was reportedly playing tennis for two hours before she collapsed on the court, per the Adelaide Advertiser.
She is now understood to be recovering in hospital.
Jasmine’s fall came after Molik said she wanted to give back to the SA tennis community in her new role.
The gig brings Molik back to her home state of SA after 10 years captaining Australia’s Billie Jean King Cup team, which represents Australia in international women’s tennis.
“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 said in a statement.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Molik said she was confident she was leaving the Billie Jean King Cup team in a prime position.
“Women’s tennis in Australia has been, from a team’s perspective, in a really strong position,” she said after the finals two weeks ago.
“In the last 10 years, we went from having a No. 4 in the world in Sam Stosur to a No. 1 in singles in Ash Barty, who started and finished her career under my tenure.
“Now we have another (doubles) No. 1 in Storm Hunter, and Ellen (Perez) has hit one of the highest points in her doubles career (at world No. 17) as well. It’s in an incredibly healthy spot.”
The star said she had high hopes for the junior Aussie players coming up through the ranks.
“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.”
