Cincinnati Open clash delayed as paramedics respond to ‘medical emergency’

There was an 11-minute delay during Jessica Pegula’s match against Martina Trevisan at the Cincinnati Open on Wednesday as paramedics responded to a medical emergency in the stands. Both women were held on court with the American leading by a break in the third set.

Pegula and Trevisan’s match was halted at a critical moment when a spectator in the stands went down and the umpire called for help. The Italian was serving at 30-15 while 0-2 down in the third, having taken the first set.“Wait please,” the chair official told the world No 63.

“Someone is not feeling well over there. We need to call an emergency.” Souza was then heard informing officials of the incident over his walkie-talkie before being informed that paramedics were already at the scene.#

The Cincinnati Open later confirmed that the match had been paused as a result of a “medical emergency”. The umpire also made an announcement to the fans, saying: “Ladies and gentlemen just wait to see the condition of one of the spectators to continue the match. Thank you for your patience.”

On the commentary for Prime Video, Naomi Broady noted that the Centre Court fans had been sat out in the heat, a possible factor in the emergency. “Very quick to respond from the paramedics, great to see. Hot day,” she remarked.

“Easy to forget how long you’ve been sat out there when a tennis match is going on, something to distract you.” Pegula and Trevisan were both called to wait at their benches as the umpire added: “It might take a while, we cannot play with someone like this.” 

During the delay, third seed Pegula was also reminded that she couldn’t speak with her coach David Witt as on-court coaching rules do not apply during a break in play. “There’s the grey area of the coaching rule, isn’t it,” Broady said.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

“If there’s a pause in play they’re not supposed to have communication with their team. It doesn’t really make sense that part of it to me,” she added. Play resumed 11 minutes later and it was the American who snapped straight back into action, breaking Trevisan immediately. The Italian was able to break straight back, still trailing by 1-3, but failed to win another game.

It was Pegula who extended her match-winning streak to six in a row, having picked up her second WTA 1000 title in Montreal last week. The world No 3 came from a set down to notch a 6-7(2) 6-2 6-3 victory.

“Thank you guys, you were much more positive today than I was,” the 29-year-old told the crowd afterwards. “I’m sorry to my rackets! It was a quick turnaround for me from Montreal and she’s super crafty, won a couple of matches here and always gives me trouble.”

Source: Read Full Article