CARLOS ALCARAZ MATCH HALTED AT AUSTRALIAN OPEN FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCY

Carlos Alcaraz's match against Tommy Paul has been paused as medics assist someone in the crowd.

Carlos Alcaraz and Tommy Paul’s fourth-round match at the Australian Open has been halted in the first set tiebreak due to a medical issue in the stands. The No. 1 seed had come back from an early break down in the first set and the players were changing ends at 3-3 in tie tiebreak when fans at the top of Rod Laver Arena started shouting down for assistance. “AO support we need your help,” spectators yelled.

Tournament staff quickly intervened as Alcaraz and Paul looked to the stands. “There is something happening above us, I’m not sure if it’s a spectator that’s fallen ill,” Mark Petchey said on commentary.

John Fitzgerald, sitting courtside, said: “It’s way up at the back, not sure if it’s a medical issue. It’s tough to see.” The umpire then informed the players that it was a medical emergency, and Alcaraz and Paul headed back to their benches while waiting.

The delay continued for more than 10 minutes, as co-commentator Ryan Harrison informed viewers that the players would have the option of a very brief warm-up when play did resume. Supervisor Gerry Armstrong also took to the court, speaking to Alcaraz, Paul and chair umpire Marija Cicak.

After around 14 minutes, Alcaraz and Paul started walking back to the baseline. “I believe that once they determine the person in the crowd is stable and there is no more medical emergency going on, they are just cooling down, it’s high up enough to play,” Harrison added.

Cicak returned to her chair and told the Rod Laver Arena crowd: “Ladies and gentlemen, everything is fine, we’re going to continue in a couple of minutes.”

There was a delay of around 14 minutes during the first-set tiebreak (Image: Channel 9)

Alcaraz and Paul took the opportunity to have a quick warm-up, hitting some serves before getting back underway. Petchey said: “This is a warm-up coming here. Right decision for the players, rather than going in stone cold. It’s also a bit of emotion if someone in the crowd is unwell, they’re going to be concerned.”

Fitzgerald informed viewers that the person who needed assistance seemed to be “on their feet and exiting slowly”. Play resumed after around 14 minutes, and Alcaraz was the first to blink.

Paul took a mini-break lead at 5-4. But Alcaraz won the next two points and had a set point on his serve. The American ripped a backhand winner to level the score at 6-6, and they changed ends again.

But after all that work, Paul double-faulted to hand the six-time Major winner the first set 7-6(6) after more than an hour of play.

- Yasmin Syed in Melbourne