Mirra Andreeva’s Unique Challenge in Madrid
Over the past two years, Mirra Andreeva has emerged as one of the standout young talents in tennis. However, during an unexpected and chaotic day in Madrid, the 17-year-old faced playing conditions reminiscent of her junior days. While serving for victory in her fourth-round match against Ukrainian qualifier Yulia Starodubtseva, she learned of a significant power outage affecting Spain, Portugal, and surrounding regions, which ultimately led to the suspension of matches in Madrid.
Unexpected Playing Conditions
As tournaments across the grounds were halted, Andreeva and her opponent were informed they could finish their game, but with a critical twist: the live electronic line-calling system was inoperative and there were no line umpires available. This meant the players had to call their own lines, relying solely on the umpire for disputes. Understandably, Andreeva felt the pressure mount.
A Tense Moment
“I was at 15-40 on my serve and thought: ‘Oh, Mirra. Just do everything you can to finish this match,’” she recounted with a laugh. “I knew if we went to 5-5, I’d likely have to wait indefinitely.”
Fortunate Circumstances for Other Players
Meanwhile, on the adjacent court, Coco Gauff had also avoided the blackout chaos. Just as she concluded her post-match interview following a commanding win, the power went out. Gauff expressed gratitude for not being scheduled as the second match on that court: “So far, the toughest part has been not being able to shower after my match due to the lack of running water; I had to resort to baby wipes.”
Reflecting on the Situation
Some players, like Grigor Dimitrov, faced more uncertainty. He had a match point but was interrupted as conditions deteriorated. Dimitrov later found humor in the surreal situation, stating, “It’s probably something I’ll never experience again.” Gauff echoed this sentiment, mentioning, “You’ll always remember the day the power went out at the Madrid Open.”
Chaos in the Tournament Venue
The situation illustrated the mundane yet vital role of electricity, as the majority of the Madrid Open’s facilities, mostly underground, were plunged into darkness. Fans gathered in dimly lit areas, relying on their phone screens for light. Players had access to candlelit dining and lounge areas, bringing an unusual warmth to the atmosphere amidst the chaos.
Adapting to Uncertainty
As the power outage continued without resolution, players began to adjust their routines. Many congregated in the dark training area, sharing stories or eventually turning to physiotherapy. “In the gym, even though it was dark and everyone was using their phone lights, it felt more social and friendly,” Andreeva remarked. With no end in sight, many players chose to walk home as traffic lights failed, embracing the unexpected solitude. “Without my phone, I’m fine just spending time without it; I only needed a flashlight,” Andreeva added, signaling a reflective mood amidst the chaos.
