ALEX DE MINAUR’S Australian Open showdown with Frances Tiafoe was suspended for seven minutes after a medical emergency in the crowd.
There were worrying scenes when the clash had to be paused in the scorchingly hot conditions.
De Minaur was 2-0 up in the third set when proceedings were abruptly brought to a halt.
Paramedics were seen walking to the top of a stand in the Rod Laver Arena.
The lead commentator for TNT Sports said: “We’ve got a stricken fan, I think.
“Somebody’s not very well up in the stands. hopefully they can get the medical team up there quickly.
BECK FOR GOOD
Brooklyn’s failed football career including sharing bench with future stars
AL BE BACK
Alan Brazil health update after talkSPORT legend forced off air unwell
“It’s fairly high up on Rod Laver. Medics are up there now attending to the individual, which is good news.”
The co-commentator added: “We had a couple of medical emergencies in Turin.
“They were up there as well, very high in the stadium. You wonder if that’s where the heat rises, it gets a little bit warmer at the top of the stands.”
De Minaur and Tiafoe remained on the court as they waited for clarity on when their clash would resume.
The umpire, speaking to Tiafoe, said: “Just to make sure the person is okay and then we will continue.”
And, after the stricken fan was offered medical attention, play resumed following a delay of SEVEN MINUTES.
The sweltering temperatures in Melbourne have already resulted in Australian Open chiefs making last-minute changes to Saturday’s schedule.
Showdowns in the Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena have been pushed forward to 10.30am.
And play on all the other courts will begin at 10am in an attempt to make sure tennis’ biggest stars are not struggling in the extreme heat.
Preventative measures have been taken after temperatures have been forecast to sore to 38C in the middle of the day.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said: “We expect pleasant conditions tomorrow morning, in the mid-20s, and will start play earlier and take advantage of the more temperate conditions.”
Read the full article here
