'Not a great look': Fans stunned by 'embarrassing' delay in Australian Open semi-final
Fans watching the pulsating semi-final match between Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev were left stunned after a 10-minute delay held up proceedings.
Thiem and Zverev were in a back-and-forth battle in the third set when play came to a sudden halt.
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Both commentators and fans were speculating why the match had stopped when there was no apparent reason to halt play in a close set.
But 7th seed Zverev pointed out to the officials a few lights had gone out in Rod Laver Arena.
While it wasn’t noticeable for fans and commentators, the players seemed intent on waiting for the repairs.
Some random weird lights issue #AusOpen singing 🎤 🎶 pic.twitter.com/vvIHdlsgRl
— Dr Bec Szabo (@inquisitiveGyn) January 31, 2020
Former Aussie tennis star Sam Groth was down on the court and explained to viewers he couldn’t work out why play had stopped.
“I am sitting here with Darren Cahill and we can't pick which lights are out,” Grot said.
“I don't think it has made a difference. For the players out there maybe they notice it but we
can't notice.”
Fans on social media were stunned at the lengthy delay.
The lighting on Rod Laver Arena is being questioned... There's at least one light out.
Not a great look for the #AusOpen. This is a GRAND SLAM. The lights should work.
Unless, of course Melbourne Park has been put on energy restrictions as well.🤦♂️— Shane McInnes (@shanemcinnes) January 31, 2020
So let me get this straight, one light goes out in a court filled with lights and the game stops to what...add an extra light bulb? What even is tennis....? #australianopen #helpmeout
— Jade Pajvancic (@jadepaj) January 31, 2020
And the whole world is watching the men’s semi final of the #AustralianOpen bc we felt like seeing a electrician change a lightbulb
— ♛✞L.F.K✞♛ (@LucaFK) January 31, 2020
#AO2020 how many people does it take to change a light bulb @AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/cyeUARX60L
— Alka Chadha (@alkachadha) January 31, 2020
The crowd... haha.. so happy! I just HAVE to watch the Australian Open live, in person sitting there with these super enthu happy people 😄
— Namrata Sanadhya (@NamrataSanadhya) January 31, 2020
@AustralianOpen what’s the deal here......the show must go on
— Vincent Adultman (@TheeTomTom) January 31, 2020
A real embarrassment for the Australian open this #lightsout #AusOpen
— David Wimbley (@DavidWimbley7) January 31, 2020
What's happening? I'm watching but with no sound.
— Jeanie Kenkel (@vamosdavid) January 31, 2020
Unexpected interruption in the @AustralianOpen mens semi - massive mental test for Players - did they prep for it?
— Condor Performance (@CPsportspsychs) January 31, 2020
During the break, spectators made the most of the delay singing along to ‘Sweet Caroline’ from Neil Diamond that played around Rod Laver Arena.
Thiem was able to hold on and take out the second set 6-4, before winning in four.
