Martina Navratilova expressed fury during Jelena Ostapenko's first-round Wimbledon match against Britain's Harriet Dart on Monday afternoon, after the Latvian star halted play with a raised racket, apparently distracted by a mobile phone in the crowd.
Ostapenko, a controversial figure on the WTA tour, was firmly in control of the opening set. Dart saved two set points and was serving to stay alive at 2-5, 40-40 when Ostapenko raised her racket high above her head as Dart began her service motion.
Navratilova's Outburst
"Why is Ostapenko holding up her racket? Why is she holding it up? [Huge groan]. Seriously!?" Navratilova fumed on BBC commentary. "The umpire should have called her up on that. There is no reason for Ostapenko to be holding up her racket."
The interruption came as Dart tossed the ball into the air. After a brief pause, Ostapenko returned Dart's serve into the net, handing the Brit advantage.
Umpire's Intervention
The umpire then addressed the crowd, stating, "If you have your mobile phone with you, can you please make sure it is switched off. Thank you." Navratilova softened her stance slightly, acknowledging the distraction: "Oh, it's a mobile phone, that is so annoying. You rarely get that happening these days."
Dart served an ace on the following delivery to clinch the game, but ultimately lost the first set 6-3. The incident highlighted the ongoing issue of mobile phone disruptions at tennis matches, which have become less frequent in recent years due to spectator awareness campaigns.
