The Italian Open had only just begun for Venus Williams and Coco Vandeweghe when their round one contest was dramatically interrupted.
Tied 40-all in just the second game of the match, Williams was preparing to receive serve from her fellow American when commotion began to stir behind her.
One of the ball boys standing behind at Williams end of the court had unexpectedly fainted, falling face first into the clay.
Appearing to shake slightly on the ground, the boy quickly came-to as another ball boy and officials rushed to his side.
"Well the heat unfortunately already claiming its first casualty, that young man just being temporarily overcome," one commentator said. "It looks as if his day's work is well and truly done."