Play has been suspended at the Cincinnati Open following a reported power outage. All broadcast channels lost pictures from the courts on Monday, before the matches were halted entirely. Electronic line calling is now used across all ATP Tour events, and the automated system cannot be used while the power is down.
When play was suspended, Taylor Fritz had just taken the first set of his match against Lorenzo Sonego. Meanwhile, Benjamin Bonzi started to mount a comeback against Stefanos Tsitsipas. There were also several doubles matches in action.
Broadcast channels across the globe which had been airing the Cincinnati Open suddenly lost access to the court cameras just after 5pm local time.
The matches initially continued without being shown on TV, but they were ultimately halted when it became apparent that the tournament was affected by a power outage.
On Sky Sports, tennis pundit Gigi Salmon appeared via voiceover to inform viewers of the power outage and the latest score updates before play stopped.
“Welcome back to the Cincinnati Open where unfortunately play is currently suspended. There is a local power outage which has meant a loss of pictures,” she announced.
“The tennis did continue for a while. In that time, Taylor Fritz was able to complete that first set on a tiebreak against Lorenzo Sonego, and Benjamin Bonzi was able to come back from dropping the first set to Stefanos Tsitsipas, to move to 5-2 in the second [set] but a local power outage affects the electronic line calling.
“Having slight flashbacks to Madrid, when there was a power outage in most of Spain and parts of France. But we are told that it is starting to come back, but it is coming back slowly. So apologies once again, a power outage in Cincinnati.”
US broadcaster Tennis Channel also issued a statement on social media, writing: “Play in Cincinnati is currently suspended due to an onsite power outage. Stay tuned for updates on when the action resumes.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.