Picture Credit: Twitter
Polish tennis ace Iga Swiatek and American Jessica Pegula were playing a tiebreak during their game at the National Bank Open when a crucial point had to be replayed because of loud music suddenly interrupting the match. Swiatek was down 4-3 in the tiebreak before the music interrupted the game. The music was played by the DJ accidentally and the umpire had to call it quickly as the fans booed the bizarre display.
Pegula started the semifinal game in strong form and pushed Swiatek onto the ropes before the Pole pulled it back and forced a tiebreak. Swiatek lost the first set 6-2 and was serving down 4-3 in the tiebreak before the sudden song played and interrupted the match. The song was apparently played by the DJ at the Open by accident. The umpire was forced to have the players replay the set because of the interruption and the crowd jeered at the unfortunate situation. Jessica ended up losing the set and not winning any more points in the tiebreak.
Iga Swiatek & Jessica Pegula had to replay a crucial point at 3-4 in the 2nd set tiebreak
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 12, 2023
Music started playing during the point.
Jess ended up losing the set & she did not win a point for the rest of the tiebreak. pic.twitter.com/hwVBRdDoig
Pegula takes down Swiatek to advance to final
After the point was replayed, Swiatek swung the momentum and won four consecutive points in the tiebreak as Pegula appeared to suffer from a lapse of concentration. The American player appeared frustrated at the end of the second set.
Fortunately for her, she managed to pull it back and regain her first set form and win the series 2,6, 7,6, 4,6. Pegula has been in top form at the Open, prevailing over fellow American Coco Gauff. She will play in the final on August 14 at the Center Court at 3 am IST.
Pegula will face one of Kazakhstan Elena Rybakina or Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova, who will contest the semi-finals today at 11 PM IST.
