THE second Wimbledon women’s semi-final was halted for nine minutes due to a medical emergency involving a fan.
And the supporter was carried out of the Centre Court stands on a stretcher in worrying scenes.
Iga Swiatek made a flying start against unseeded Belinda Bencic in their last-four clash, played in soaring 31C heat in SW19.
But at 3-0 in the opening set, play was suspended as a fan in the west stand fell unwell and required medical help.
The chair umpire Robert Balmforth had allowed the players to return to the baseline for the start of the fourth game.
However, it soon became apparent that something was wrong.
The umpire got out of his chair to find out what was happening.
And it quickly became apparent a fan was in need of treatment.
It is understood medics were called to give support to the stricken spectator.
Two Wimbledon stewards held umbrellas over the fan while the two players kept loose by doing exercises and practice swings at the back of the court.
Balmforth then spoke to both players to keep them updated during the unexpected stoppage.
Bencic even appeared to be massaging her left leg, seemingly due to discomfort.
After a nine-minute delay, the tennis was able to continue with Bencic serving.
She held for 3-1 but Swiatek raced away to an emphatic 6-2 6-0 victory.
The incident followed two medical emergencies in the first semi-final between Amanda Anisimova and Aryna Sabalenka.
Two fans in the east stand – sitting in direct sunlight – were given treatment during the first set.
The first needed to be supported out of the stand by a steward while the second was able to walk unaided to safety while drinking water.
Sabalenka even rushed over with a bottle of water and an ice pack to be passed on to the first spectator.
Anisimova came through 6-4 4-6 6-4 to book her place in a maiden Grand Slam final.
Read the full article here
