Overview
- Play in the Francisco Cerundolo v Jenson Brooksby second-round match was paused after chair umpire James Keothavong told players to stop for a few minutes when a localised power cut struck the court and commentary box on Wednesday.
- BBC commentators, led by Clare Balding, interrupted live coverage to explain that ATP Tour matches now use automated electronic line-calling and do not have on-court line judges.
- Tournament referee Denise Parnell went down to the court while officials assessed the fault and the chair umpire stood ready to make line calls if the electronic system remained unavailable.
- After a brief stoppage play resumed and Cerundolo held serve to go 2-0; the same day also saw other interruptions at Queen’s including Arthur Fery stopping for a nosebleed and a live interview with Corentin Moutet being cut after he swore.
- The incident highlights practical risks from reliance on automated systems for both officiating and broadcast and suggests organisers may need clearer backup power and procedures to avoid longer delays.