Play suspended for emergency involving Ivanovic’s coach

Serbia's Ana Ivanovic reacts as play in her third round match against Madison Keys of the U.S. is suspended due to Ivanovic's coach Nigel Sears requiring medical attention, at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 23, 2016. REUTERS/Issei Kato

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.

The match on RLA between Ana Ivanovic & Madison Keys has been suspended indefinitely while someone in the crowd receives assistance.

— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) >January 23, 2016

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 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.