Queen's tennis match halted as cries of 'stop, stop, stop' heard on TV coverage

Wales Online

5 hours ago

Queen's tennis match halted as cries of 'stop, stop, stop' heard on TV coverage
Jack Draper's first round match against Jenson Brooksby was brought to an abrupt halt amid concern for a fan
There were concerning scenes in the stands during Draper's match
(Image: BBC )
Jack Draper's match against Jenson Brooksby at Queen's Club was halted after a spectator was taken ill in the stands.
The British number one was waiting to receive serve against the American in the fourth game of the second set of the opening round tie at the venue in West Kensington, when attention was drawn to an incident developing in the stands. Fans could be heard yelling "stop, stop, stop" as play was immediately halted by the umpire Adel Nour.
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Stewards then rushed over to help the fan in question, who was sitting in the uncovered stands at the court, while both players sat down under umbrellas as help was administered.
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Temperatutres had reached highs of 26 degrees celsius during the clash between Brooksby and Draper, who was leading 3-6, 3-0 at the time of the delay.
Supporters had been encouraged to drink enough water and wear sun protection by tournament organisers ahead of the action getting under way this year.
A message from organisers to all media and fans read: 'Please take care in the hot sun. Hydrate regularly and wear a hat if you have one. If you don't feel well, let us or a steward know right away.'
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The action got back under way a few minutes later, with the BBC commentary team extending their best wishes to the spectator in question.
Draper went on to clinch the win and make it through to the next round, winning 6-3, 6-1 in what was his first game on grass in 2025.
It comes after Emma Navarro's match against Beatriz Haddad Maia at Queen's last week was also brought to a halt due to a medical emergency.
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Haddad Maia was 4-2 up against third seed Navarro in the second set tiebreaker when the players changed ends and a medical incident unfolded in the stands, with medics rushing to tend to a spectator who had fainted.
BBC cameras cut away from the action at the newly-renamed Andy Murray Arena as chair umpire Robert Balmforth was heard saying "It looks like she's fainted" into his walkie-talkie.
Play was then halted, with the umpire adding: 'Ladies and gentlemen, just to let you know we've called the medics for this situation. Until it's resolved we're not going to result the match".
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BBC commentator Sam Smith said: 'This does happen from time to time, I think someone has been taken unwell in the North Stand so we will pause for a moment as they change ends in this tiebreak for the first time.
"Yes, the medics have been called. We wondered what had happened. I can see them on their way now and this does happen, doesn't it?
"It's very warm and humid out here. They're responding very quickly here.'