Priscilla Hon's long-awaited return to the Australian Open second round was marked by an act of sportsmanship, as she helped her cramping opponent, Marina Stakusic, leave the court in a wheelchair. The dramatic incident unfolded on Monday at Melbourne Park, casting a shadow over what should have been a triumphant moment for the Australian player.
Dramatic Scenes on ANZ Arena
Hon was leading the match against Canadian qualifier Stakusic by one set to six, six games to four, and five games to three in the decider when play was halted. Stakusic was struck by severe leg cramps after two hours on court, with temperatures hovering around 29 degrees Celsius (84 Fahrenheit). Medical staff were called, and a wheelchair was eventually requested to assist the distressed player from ANZ Arena.
In a gesture widely praised as 'classy', Hon immediately rushed to her rival's aid. She helped Stakusic to her feet and then supported the Canadian's left leg as she was wheeled towards the exit, with the pair sharing a brief conversation. Stan Sport commentator Liz Smylie lauded the act, stating: 'This is classy from Priscilla Hon. All class from Hon. Not the way she envisaged picking up her first Australian Open main draw win in six years.'
A Broader Pattern of Cramping Issues
Stakusic was not the only Canadian player to struggle with cramping on the second day of the season's first Grand Slam. In the men's draw, world number seven Felix Auger-Aliassime was also forced to retire from his match against Portugal's Nuno Borges due to severe cramping. Borges was leading 6-3, 4-6, 4-6 after approximately two hours when Auger-Aliassime conceded.
'I can't recall ever in my life cramping this early in a tournament, this early in a match,' a disappointed Auger-Aliassime said afterwards. 'I'm OK, but I just started cramping at the start of the third set. Yeah, it became very difficult to be competitive at this level.'
Hon Reflects on the Dramatic Victory
For Hon, ranked 121st in the world, the victory marked a significant personal milestone, being her first main-draw win at her home slam since 2020. She had failed to qualify in her three previous attempts. Reflecting on the unusual circumstances of her win, Hon expressed concern for her opponent. 'I really hope she does feel better,' Hon said in her post-match press conference. 'That was quite a scene out there. I had quite a few people come up to me and be, like: "Wow, that was so dramatic".'
When asked about the warm conditions, the Australian said she felt relatively comfortable. 'I mean, I'm Australian, so I should be quite used to it,' she remarked. 'It was definitely warm out there, and I think as well with the nerves, the stress levels, it just all impacts it.'
The incident follows similar heat-related concerns on the opening day, when Turkish qualifier Zeynep Sonmez assisted a ballkid who appeared to be suffering from heat sickness. Tournament organisers have indicated that maximum temperatures are forecast to be slightly cooler during the first week before rising again on Saturday.
Hon now advances to the second round, where she will face world number 27 Iva Jovic, as the Australian Open continues under the Melbourne sun.
