Ana Ivanovic vs Madison Keys suspended after Andy Murray's father-in-law Nigel Sears collapses

Ivanovic was leading when the father of Kim Sears collapsed when returning to his seat

Ana Ivanovic appears concerns after her coach, Nigel Sears, collapsed during her match against Madison Keys (Getty Images)

Ana Ivanovic’s Australian Open fourth round encounter with Madison Keys was suspended after the Serbian’s coach and Andy Murray’s father-in-law Nigel Sears collapsed.

The incident occurred on the Rod Laver Court at the same time as Murray was taking on Joao Sousa on the Margaret Court Arena, although the world No 2 did not know about the development.

Sears, father of Murray’s wife Kim, required treatment from medics in the stands after he collapsed when returning to his seat, according to Australian broadcasters Channel 7.

Ivanovic was visibly distressed on the court and soon departed the arena, with no indication given by tournament organisers over if and when the match would resume. The 28-year-old had won the first set and was leading the second set 1-0 at the time of the suspension.

58-year-old Sears was taken away on a stretcher with an oxygen mask on, but he was said to be conscious and alert by witnesses and it was soon confirmed that he was talking to medical staff before being taken to hospital, and the BBC reported that he is expected to make a “full and swift recovery”.

Meanwhile, shortly before 10am GMT after a 50-minute delay, Ivanovic returned to the court alongside Keys and was said to be looking “relieved”.

Ivanovic’s second round victory over Anastasija Sevastova was also interrupted when a spectator fell down the stairs, although the match did resume and the former World No 1 was able to continue.