A TENNIS fan was sternly told off by umpire James Keothavong during yesterday’s Wimbledon quarter-final between Aryna Sabalenka and Laura Siegemund.
World No1 Sabalenka was pushed to the limit by the wily German veteran.
As the Belarusian stepped up for a second serve at 4-4 in the deciding third set, experienced official Keothavong was taking no nonsense.
The umpire, sister of former British No1 Anne Keothavong, said: “Can the person applauding between first and second serves stop doing that please.
“It’s spoiling the game for everyone and the players.”
This was met by cheers and applause from much of the Centre Court crowd.
Sabalenka, 27, went on to squeeze past Siegemund 4-6 6-2 6-4.
The No1 seed will next face Amanda Anisimova for a place in the final.
After the stern test, Sabalenka said: “Inside I was struggling because she was playing a really smart game.
“At the beginning I was missing a lot. I felt like I was rushing. So I’m really glad that after the first set, I was able to reset a little bit and change my tactic and get the win.
“After the second set, the middle of the second set, I started feeling my game better, and I had a better understanding of what I should do to get the win.
“But about her game, I wasn’t really annoyed. What can I do?
“It was great play, smart play. Tough for my body to play against, but I managed.
“It was a great fitness. Whoever is going to slice against me, I’m going to be like, Guys, I played against Laura, are you kidding me?”
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