World No. 7 Mirra Andreeva spoke about completing her Round of 16 match at the Madrid tournament amidst a power outage. The Russian player defeated Yulia Starodubtseva from Ukraine with a score of 6/1, 6/4.
“When the score reached 5/3, I was informed that the electronics were down, but the line-calling system was still operational. So, we were told we could continue the match. I was glad we wouldn`t have to stop.”
“When it became 15/40 on my serve, I thought: Mirra, please, please, finish this match immediately. Later, it turned out that none of the systems were working, and the umpire was calling the lines herself. It was difficult because this thought was stuck in my head: if I don`t win right now, I`ll have to wait.”
Have you ever experienced anything similar?
“No, never anything like this. In a way, it`s even interesting, but overall, of course, I can imagine how challenging it is, for example, for other players whose matches were halted, and who will have to play later.”
“For instance, Diana Schnaider was just warming up for her match when the lights went out. I was in the gym just now, it`s very dark in there, everyone is using their phone flashlights to see.”
Did playing without line judges and an online system remind you of junior tournaments?
“Yes, it did. But we also didn`t have any questionable shots close to the lines. We were told we would just rely on the marks, but in the end, we didn`t have to check anything like that.”
Have you been told anything about what you can do next, for example, if you can return to the hotel? Traffic lights and public transport aren`t working in the city.
“I haven`t asked yet, but I hope I won`t have to spend the whole night here, sleeping in the gym.”
Nobody even knows yet when it will be possible to charge a phone. How will you cope without your phone?
“It`s absolutely no problem at all if you take my phone away permanently. The only thing I need my phone for right now is the flashlight. But I have a book with me and Uno cards – if my phone dies, I`ll find something to do.”
It is reported that parts of Spain, Portugal, and France experienced electricity problems today. Matches at the Madrid tournament have been canceled – only Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff managed to reach the quarterfinals in the women`s draw. In the men`s draw, one match was completed – Matteo Arnaldi defeated Damir Dzumhur.
