The Berlin Tennis Open grounds were evacuated on Sunday morning after a sudden severe storm caused damage to site infrastructure, forcing the postponement of the women's singles final between Jessica Pegula and Linda Noskova. Organisers later apologised for what they described as 'inappropriate behaviour' by some security staff during the evacuation.
Evacuation and Initial Response
The tournament site at the Rot-Weiss Tennis Club was cleared as a precautionary measure following heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. In an initial statement, organisers said: 'Due to severe weather conditions, we were forced to clear the tournament grounds as a precautionary measure. The heavy rainfall has caused damage to parts of the site's infrastructure.' They noted that the storm developed with unexpected intensity despite coordination with the German Weather Service.
Fans were advised not to travel to the venue, and further updates were promised for 2pm local time. Photos from the club showed significant flooding in several areas.
Apology for Staff Behaviour
A later statement addressed complaints about security staff conduct during the evacuation. 'If any individual members of the security staff behaved inappropriately during the evacuation, we would like to sincerely apologise. Our primary focus was to clear the grounds as quickly and safely as possible,' the organisers wrote.
The statement confirmed that in addition to infrastructure damage, technical systems were also affected. Before the grounds can reopen, all safety requirements must be fully met, and organisers are monitoring further weather developments.
Impact on Schedule
Play is not expected to resume before 4pm local time. Three matches are scheduled once the venue reopens: the women's singles final between Pegula and Noskova, a doubles semi-final (Noskova and Ekaterina Alexandrova vs. Ulrikke Eikeri and Quinn Gleason, currently 6-3 3-3), and the doubles final featuring Sara Errani and Nicole Melichar-Martinez against the winners.
Organisers said ticket information and related arrangements will be communicated as the day progresses.
