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Nationwide Blackout Halts Madrid Open and Paralyzes Spain and Portugal

A massive power outage has disrupted critical infrastructure, leaving cities without electricity and forcing the suspension of play at the prestigious Masters 1000 tennis tournament.

Tennis - Madrid Open - Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain - April 28, 2025 General view of an empty court as the matches get suspended due to a power outage REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura
Tennis - Madrid Open - Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain - April 28, 2025 Fans are seen after the matches get suspended due to a power outage REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura
Tennis - Madrid Open - Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain - April 28, 2025 A man uses his cell phone's flashlight in a dark sports shop after the matches get suspended due to a power outage REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura
Tennis - Madrid Open - Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain - April 28, 2025 Fans are seen after the matches get suspended due to a power outage REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura

Overview

  • A sudden power outage has left Spain and Portugal without electricity and internet, crippling transport networks and essential services.
  • Play at the Madrid Open was suspended after the blackout disabled electronic systems, including scoreboards and line-calling technology.
  • During a match between Jacob Fearnley and Grigor Dimitrov, umpire Adel Nour attempted manual officiating before organizers called off play indefinitely.
  • Airports and metro systems across the affected regions have been immobilized, highlighting the widespread societal impact of the blackout.
  • Efforts are ongoing to restore power and internet services, but the disruption underscores vulnerabilities in modern infrastructure.