Hometown hero Alicia Molik runs to aid of collapsed young player

Adelaide tennis superstar Alicia Molik has rushed to comfort a young player after a shock incident centre court during a press conference at the Drive on Thursday.

Adelaide-born tennis legend Alicia Molik has rushed to the aid of a young player after she collapsed at centre court at the Drive during a press conference on Thursday.

Ms Molik was speaking to the media to announce her appointment as director of the of 2024 Adelaide International tournament in January, when a young girl name Jasmine, suddenly collapsed in the background with media and onlookers watching on.

The tennis star quickly stopped what she was doing and ran to comfort the young girl and placed her in the recovery position until paramedics arrived.

She was later transported her to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital where she is recovering.

Hype for the summer of tennis is building as a tennis superstar is returning home to help lift the profile of the Adelaide International.

“It’s a bit unfortunate that someone sustained a serious injury so thoughts are with the family in hospital at the moment,” Ms Molik told 7News.

Jasmine was reportedly playing tennis for two hours before she collapsed on the court.

Ms Molik said she was happy to be back where it all started for her.

“I’ve spent thousands of hours here, at the Drive, at this precinct so it’s wonderful to be back and a part of world class tennis at the Adelaide International.”

“I’m willing to go the extra mile and players love that,” she said. “They really feel a sense of urgency that the deman is there.”

This year’s event in January saw more than 80,000 fans flock through the gates.

One of the country’s most prolific tennis stars, Molik reached a career-high singles ranking of world Number 8 and a doubles ranking of world Number 6.

Her appointment comes with the announcement of six additional players joining the Adelaide International 2024 field.

Alicia Molik is returning home to be the 2024 Adelaide International tournament director ahead of the January event. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

World No. 4 Elena Rybakina is returning while Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, world No. 15 Qinwen Zheng and world No. 20 Caroline Garcia have been added to the women’s line-up.

World ranked No. 24 Sebastian Korda and Jack Draper are also joining the line-up which already includes hometown favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Thanasi Kokkinakis will play at the Adelaide International: Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

The line-up announcement comes as it was revealed an entertainment precinct on the banks of the River Torrens will be set up for the event with live entertainment, bars, and food trucks.

Ms Alicia Molik said she was looking forward to joining the Adelaide International team.

“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.

“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. “

Adelaide International general manager Debbie Sterrey said she was “thrilled” to welcome Molik home.

“Not only is Alicia a highly decorated and accomplished tennis player and leader, she is also an experienced sports administrator, bringing a unique player’s perspective,” she said.

“We are looking forward to welcoming back a hometown hero of the sport who is recognised both for her on court and off court achievements.”

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said Molik’s appointment added to the excitement of seeing the return of world-class tennis to Adelaide.

“We cannot wait to share the $48 million redeveloped precinct with Alicia and the international players,” he said.

2024 Adelaide International line up includes: 

Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS)

Ajla Tomljanovic (Qld)

Elena Rybakina (KAZ)

Qinwen Zhang (CHN)

Caroline Garcia (FRA)

Angelique Kerber (GER)

Sebastian Korda (USA)

Lorenzo Musetti (ITA)

Alexei Popyrin (AUS)

Jack Draper (GBR)