Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Bizarre Racket Mix-Up Halts Play in Davidovich Fokina vs. Rublev Barcelona Clash
A peculiar incident caused an unexpected pause during the Barcelona Open match between Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Andrey Rublev, as the Spaniard’s racket was mistakenly taken away during a changeover. The unusual interruption occurred early in the round-of-16 contest with Rublev leading 2-1, just as the players took their seats for the change of ends. This unforeseen circumstance led to a momentary suspension of play at the pivotal Barcelona Open.
Ball Girl Mistakenly Removes Davidovich Fokina’s Racket
Davidovich Fokina was unable to resume play when it was his turn, realizing that his primary racket had been removed by a ball girl. The ball girl believed the racket was intended for restringing, triggering a scramble by the chair umpire to retrieve it before any adjustments to the strings could be made. Amidst the confusion, the umpire urgently communicated via walkie-talkie to rectify the situation, with both players waiting on the court for the racket’s return. The incident highlighted a rare tennis miscommunication on the court.
Miscommunication Causes Delay
The confusion arose from a request Davidovich Fokina had made to have a different racket restrung for later use in the round of 16 match. However, a staff member misinterpreted the situation during the changeover. Davidovich Fokina had placed the racket he was actively using on his bench during the change of ends. A court-side staff member, misinterpreting this, believed it was the racket designated for restringing and removed it from the court.
Upon attempting to restart the match, Davidovich Fokina noticed his racket was missing, prompting chair umpire Manuel Messina to swiftly intervene and recover the erroneously removed equipment.
Explaining the situation to Rublev, umpire Messina stated, “Andrey, the girl by mistake, she took the other racket to the stringer, the one he’s using for playing, so we just need to bring it back. She’s coming back with the right racket.”
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Umpire’s Urgent Plea for Racket Return
Messina’s walkie-talkie messages conveyed the urgency of the situation: “The girl took the racket to the stringer so she’s on her way. We need this racket for playing, it’s the racket that Alejandro is using for playing so we need it back quickly.”
He further stressed, “We’re at the changeover and we’re waiting. Can’t you tell her over the radio? Can you tell her, please, as soon as possible.”
Commentators’ Reactions to Unusual Incident
Commentator Barry Cowan expressed his astonishment at the bizarre interruption, remarking on the unprecedented nature of the event. “Oh my goodness, this is something else,” he exclaimed, as the players patiently awaited the resolution.
Cowan further added, “This sport will always throw up something for the first time and I think this is a first. Well a halt in play, first time I’ve ever seen something like this. I know it’s not ideal for Davidovich Fokina but he will have another four, five, six in his bag.”
Co-commentator Sue Thearle questioned why Davidovich Fokina wasn’t immediately switching to an alternate racket. “Why is he not using those? Maybe it’s his lucky racket,” she speculated.
Play Resumes After Racket Retrieval
Eventually, the racket was returned to Davidovich Fokina without any damage or restringing taking place, and the match was able to continue.
Moments after regaining his preferred racket, Davidovich Fokina demonstrated its value by saving three break points and subsequently gaining a break advantage himself. However, Rublev swiftly responded, breaking back to level the score.
Davidovich Fokina entered the Barcelona tournament aiming to capitalize on his strong performance at Monte-Carlo the previous week, where he reached the semi-finals before succumbing to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz. Despite the racket mishap, he continued to compete in the Barcelona Open.