EMMA RADUCANU called for a crying child to be ejected from the stadium during her Cincinnati Open clash with Aryna Sabalenka.
The British star was serving at a crucial point in the deciding third set, when cries from the crowd disrupted her focus.
Serving at 3-4 in the third set, Raducanu had to fend off several break points for the world No1.
Stepping up to serve at deuce, Raducanu halted her motion and turned back after a child cried out.
Frustrated, the British star turned to the umpire and said: “It’s been, like, 10 minutes.”
Incredulous, the umpire said: “It’s a child. Do you want me to kick the child out of the stadium?”
Looking unimpressed, Raducanu shrugged.
Then when members of the crowd started replying “yes”, the British No1 pointed to them and smiled in agreement.
As Raducanu towelled herself, the umpire said: “I can call in, but we need to continue for the moment.”
Following an incredible 13 deuces, and after fending off four break points, Raducanu was finally able to hold serve for 4-4.
The world No39 did not let the incident knock her off her stride, despite the pressure put on her by No1 Sabalenka.
The rest of the third set went with serve, meaning that the match would be decided by a final set tiebreak.
Sabalenka went on to win the tiebreak 7-5, squeezing into round three in the process.
Raducanu received a fantastic ovation as she exited the court, with even Sabalenka applauding her opponent’s valiant effort in the three hours and 12 minutes battle.
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