Tennis tournament evacuated as organisers issue apology for ‘inappropriate behaviour’ | Tennis | Sport

Organisers of the Berlin Tennis Open have issued a statement after the tournament grounds were evacuated due to “severe weather conditions”. Jessica Pegula was set to face Linda Noskova in the women’s singles final at 12pm local time, but this has been postponed.

Part of the site’s infrastructure has been damaged and the grounds were cleared as a precautionary measure following recent thunderstorms. The tournament has now issued an apology for any “inappropriate behaviour” by staff during the evacuation. Play will not result until at least 4pm local time.

Earlier on Sunday morning, the tournament released an initial statement confirming that the grounds were closed. “Dear Tennis Fans, 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,” it read.

“Despite close coordination with the German Weather Service, the storm developed with an intensity that was not anticipated. Your safety is our highest priority. For your own safety, we kindly ask you not to travel to the venue at this time.

“We are working at full speed to continue the tournament and are currently assessing the next steps. Further information will be provided from 2:00 PM onwards via email and our social media channels. We will continue to keep you regularly informed about the situation. Thank you for your understanding and patience.”

A further statement was issued later in the day, and organisers had to apologise for some staff behaviour. They wrote: “Dear Tennis Fans, First of all, we would like to thank you for your cooperation during the evacuation of the tournament grounds. The safety of all visitors has always been, and remains, our highest priority.

“We were prepared for the forecasted weather conditions and had already initiated precautionary measures. However, the intensity and speed of the storm made additional actions necessary at very short notice.

“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.

“Our teams are currently working at full speed to restore the venue. In addition to damage to parts of the infrastructure, technical systems were also affected. Before the grounds can be reopened, all safety requirements for visitors must be fully met.

“We are also closely monitoring the weather forecast, as further developments must be taken into account when assessing whether play can safely resume. We will continue to provide updates via email and our social media channels. At this stage, a resumption of play is not expected before 4:00 PM. Information regarding tickets and any related arrangements will be communicated in line with developments throughout the day. Thank you for your understanding and patience. Your VANDA Pharmaceuticals BERLIN TENNIS OPEN Team.”

Photos from the Rot-Weiss Tennis Club in Berlin showed heavy flooding in some areas of the grounds. Three matches are expected to be played once the venue reopens. Pegula will first face Noskova in the singles final.

Then, Noskova is expected to team up with Ekaterina Alexandrova to resume a doubles semi-final against Ulrikke Eikeri and Quinn Gleason. Alexandrova and Noskova currently lead 6-3 3-3. The doubles final will then be played after a suitable rest, with Sara Errani and Nicole Melichar-Martinez awaiting the winners.

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