Andy Murray's father-in-law Nigel Sears taken to hospital after collapsing courtside at the Australian Open

The players walked off the court after the incident

Kim Murray's father Nigel has been taken to hospital after collapsing at the Australian Open on the Rod Laver Arena – the main court at Melbourne Park.

Sears, the coach to former world No 1 Ana Ivanovic, was watching his player take on American Madison Keys.

The incident happened after 37 minutes of the match in the second set. After initial treatment, Sears was taken off on the court on a stretcher with his shirt removed.

Sears received medical assistance and the 58-year-old was carried away but was conscious and breathing.

Jamie Murray has reported Sears has gone to hospital and is currently undergoing test. “He is conscious, talking, sitting up,” Murray said.

Nigel Sears collapsed court side in Melbourne

Ana Ivanovic's coach Nigel Sears collapses on the stairs

Ivanovic and Keys waited on court for around 10 minutes before they were informed play was suspended and left the arena.

Medical staff fetch the stretcher after Sears collapsed

After a 50-minute break, the players re-emerged and the match was resumed with Keys trailing 6-4 1-0.

Ana Ivanovic looks concerned after her coach Nigel Sears collapsed courtside

Andy Murray was playing on another court against Joao Sousa in the third round of the singles when it happened.

The British No 1 has promised to fly home to London if Kim, who is due to give birth to their first child next month, goes into labour early.

Andy Murray and wife Kim: Pregnant Kim has not travelled to Australia for the tournament as she is due to give birth soon

As Andy was still playing – and Judy Murray was also out watching him – his brother Jamie was called to tournament director Craig Tiley's office to be updated on the situation.

Murray continued his match and got through to the fourth round after beating Portugal No 1 Sousa 6-2 3-6 6-2 6-2.

Staff rush to Nigel's aid

Former pro Pam Shriver reported on ESPN that Ivanovic was aware of Nigel having similar previous episodes and both players were given option to further delay or cancel the match.

Before he was carried off on a stretcher

 Former world No 1 Ivanovic, who won the 2008 French Open, is the girlfriend of Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.  

Manchester United's German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (R) and his girlfriend, tennis player Ana Ivanovic

She first worked with Sears between 2011-13 – and then hired him again last summer after losing in the second round of Wimbledon.

Sears, 58, is a former player who started coaching Daniela Hantuchova in 2001 and also worked with Amanda Coetzee.