BBC's live tennis coverage was halted on Wednesday as Clare Balding issued a statement regarding a power cut at Queen's Club. Francisco Cerundolo and Jenson Brooksby were forced to stop their second-round match after a localised power failure knocked out the electronic line-calling system.
Power Failure Disrupts Play
During the second game of the match on the Andy Murray Arena, chair umpire James Keothavong instructed the players to stop due to a power problem. Balding informed viewers that the issue affected the automated line-calling system, meaning there were no line judges to make decisions.
"They've got an issue with power. As you heard, James Keothavong say, there is an issue with power on court, and also in our commentary box, a localised power cut here at Queen's. Andrew Castle is alongside me, luckily, no problems with your power," Balding stated.
Castle responded: "I didn't start with any, so that's fine! Can't do without what you don't have. I wonder what that is, maybe a generator out the back or something like that."
Tournament Referee Steps In
Tournament referee Denise Parnell arrived at the court while the players waited. Cerundolo had broken serve in the opening game and was leading 1-0, 40-15 when play was halted. Without line judges, the only option was for Keothavong to make line calls if the power issue persisted. After a short interruption, play resumed, and Cerundolo held to lead 2-0.
Other Disruptions at Queen's
Earlier in the day, British wildcard Arthur Fery paused his match against Adrian Mannarino due to a nosebleed. The world No. 140 noticed the bleeding while preparing to return serve at 1-1 in the second set. He informed the umpire and went to his bench. The physiotherapist attended to him, and play resumed after about five minutes. Fery went on to win 7-6(7) 6-4, his third victory over a top-50 opponent, earning a spot in his first ATP Tour quarter-final.
This incident follows another BBC mishap at Queen's, where an interview with Corentin Moutet was cut short after he swore seven times during a live transmission. Commentator Jenny Drummond apologised to viewers, saying, "OK. Corentin, we need to improve that for the next round. Apologies everyone."
