Brisbane International match halted as player breaks net in moment of chaos | Tennis | Sport

Grigor Dimitrov’s match against Raphael Collignon at the Brisbane International was delayed when Collignon accidentally broke part of the net with his serve. There was chaos in the second set when a bird defecated on the court, and Dimitrov helped a ball kid clean it up.

Collignon then attempted to serve while leading 3-1 15-15 and dumped his first serve into the net, breaking the white strapping in the middle. The chair umpire immediately intervened, telling the qualifier not to serve again until it was fixed.

Earlier in the game, Dimitrov had to retreat to his bench and grab a towel when bird excrement landed on the court. The fans inside the Pat Rafter Arena started laughing as the umpire asked for someone to clean up.

Two-time former champion Dimitrov confirmed that it didn’t land on him and helped wipe the court before returning to the baseline. Collignon then sent his first serve straight into the net, and the white cord in the middle came unattached from the ground.

Chair official James Keothavong asked the Belgian not to hit his second serve, and came down to the court to check the damage. “I think this is going to be a first serve, a delay. Hopefully he hasn’t broken the net,” commentator Arvind Parmar said.

Collignon went to sit on his bench as Keothavong confirmed the match would be briefly halted. “It’s broken so we need to replace it. It’s going to take some time,” he told the players.

Staff members came to the court to repair the net tape, and Dimitrov also headed to his bench for a much-needed break, trailing by a set and 1-3. Collignon used the opportunity to speak with his coaching camp, who were sitting courtside.

Play resumed a few minutes later, but there was another delay, as Collignon realised a bug was on the court as he stepped up to the baseline. He used his racket to encourage it to fly away, and finally attempted to serve again.

The umpire confirmed they could resume the match, telling the crowd: “Thanks very much for your patience, ladies and gentlemen, the score is 15-15, first serve.”

Collignon went on to seal a 7-6(1) 6-3 victory, reaching his second career tour-level quarter-final.