BRITISH star Jodie Burrage saved the day after a ball-boy was taken ill – by feeding him a bag of Percy Pigs.
The 2022 Wimbledon Championships got off to a rocky start after rain saw all play grind to a halt after just 40 minutes.
British star Jodie Burrage helped a poorly ball boy by offering him an isotonic drink, energy gel and even a fan’s bag of Percy PigsCredit: PA
Jodie Burrage offered a Powerade, energy gel and a fan’s Percy Pigs in a sweet gestureCredit: PA
Burrage helped the ball-boy take a swig of her Powerade after grabbing it from the on-court fridgeCredit: PA
When play finally restarted, British wildcard Burrage, 23, was forced to go from tennis player to doctor in a matter of seconds.
Trailing 5-2 at the rain delay, she quickly slipped to a 6-2 first set defeat against Ukrainian opponent Lesia Tsurenko.
But moments later, she was called into action after a ball-boy suddenly fell ill – with the BBC quickly cutting the feed to Court 18, clearly worried about his wellbeing.
The youngster in question looked unsteady on his feet, before collapsing in a chair while looking visibly dazed.
Officials rushed over to check on him with play halted for a second time.
Still looking somewhat worse for wear, Burrage rushed over to help.
The British No5 darted to the on-court fridge and grabbed a Powerade and energy gel, before dashing over to the ball-boy.
And in a sweet gesture, quite literally, a fan in the stands offered up their packet of Percy Pigs.
Burrage grabbed the packet and headed back to the lad and offered him a little pick-me-up.
The poorly ball-boy was eventually helped off the court by a line judge and the umpire.
He then received treatment from paramedics next to Court 18 and was taken away in a wheelchair.
But fans were quick to praise Burrage on social media for offering the lad sweets.
One wrote: “Jodie Burrage feeding an unwell ball boy Percy Pigs is the most British thing I’ve ever seen at Wimbledon.”
Another said: “Seeing Jodie Burrage sharing her Percy Pigs with the poorly ball boy has given my day a lift!”
Earlier in the day, fans in The Queue got drenched after the sunny start was replaced by a sudden downpour of rain.
Only 40 minutes of action was squeezed in before the heavens opened.
Frustratingly for all involved, the covers stayed on until 1pm when officials finally gave players the green light to get back out on court.
Meanwhile, BBC viewers were left shocked after Sue Barker was missing from the start of day one’s coverage of her last-ever Wimbledon.
