World No. 7 Mirra Andreeva discussed how she finished her match during the power outage in the Madrid tournament`s round of 16. The Russian player defeated Ukraine`s Yulia Starodubtseva with a score of 6/1, 6/4.
“When the score was 5-3, I was told that the electronics had shut down, but the line calling system was still working. So we were told that we could continue the match. I was happy that we wouldn`t have to stop.”
“When it was 15-40 on my serve, I thought: Mirra, please, please, finish this match right now. Then it turned out that none of the systems were working, so the umpire was calling the lines herself. It was difficult because the thought was in my head: if I don`t win right away now, I`ll have to wait.”
Asked if anything similar had ever happened to her:
“No, nothing like it has ever happened. In a way, it`s even funny, but generally, of course, I can imagine how difficult it is for other players whose matches were stopped and who will have to play later. For example, Diana Shnaider was just warming up for her match when the lights went out. I was in the gym just now, it`s very dark there, everyone is using their phone flashlight.”
Asked if playing without line judges and the online system reminded her of junior tournaments:
“Yes, it did. But we didn`t have any disputed shots close to the lines. We were told that we would rely on the marks, but in the end, we didn`t have to check anything like that.”
Asked if she was told anything about what she could do next, such as returning to her hotel, given that traffic lights and public transport were not working in the city:
“I haven`t asked yet, but I hope I don`t have to spend the whole night here, sleeping in the gym.”
Asked how she would manage without her phone, as nobody knew when it would be possible to charge it:
“It`s no problem at all if you take my phone away permanently. The only thing I need my phone for right now is the flashlight. But I have a book with me, and Uno cards – if the phone dies, I`ll find something to do.”
The text notes that parts of Spain, Portugal, and France experienced electricity issues today. Matches at the Madrid tournament were canceled, with only Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff completing their women`s quarterfinal spots. In the men`s draw, one match was played, where Matteo Arnaldi defeated Damir Dzumhur.
