Photo: Getty Images
In an unusual turn of events at Wimbledon, Harriet Dart's first-round clash against Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan was briefly interrupted by a corkscrew on the court.
Umpire Fergus Murphy Steps In
The match, held on Court 18, saw Dart, 27, facing 21-year-old Bai. With the score tied at 3-2, 40-40 in the first set, umpire Fergus Murphy spotted an unusual object on the court. The Irish umpire announced: "Thanks ballgirl... can you pick up the cork." The ballgirl quickly complied, and Murphy addressed the crowd: "Ladies and gentlemen, you should do that in the changeovers. Open the bottles in the changeovers, thanks."
Viral Moment Captures Wimbledon Fans' Hearts
The incident quickly went viral, with fans expressing their amusement on social media. One fan commented, "We are so back," while another noted, "Only at Wimbledon." The light-hearted moment added to the unique charm of the tournament.
Dart Advances to Round Two
Despite the brief interruption, Dart maintained her focus and secured a victory with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-0. She now progresses to a second-round encounter with fellow Brit Katie Boulter.
A Battle of British Teammates
Reflecting on her upcoming match against Boulter, Dart remarked: "We're team-mates. We played big tournaments. We've grown up together. We've been close. It's always going to be tricky, especially when you play a fellow Brit. But it's great to see that all of us are doing well."
Boulter shared similar sentiments: "For me, every single match counts. We both know each other's games inside-out. I think it's going to be extremely tough. I have a lot of respect for her on this surface."
Looking Ahead
As both players prepare for the next round, fans can expect a thrilling match between two well-acquainted competitors. With Dart having the home-court advantage, the stage is set for an exciting Battle of Britain at Wimbledon.
Editor: Emiliia Morozova
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