Carlos Alcaraz stopped his Wimbledon first-round match against Fabio Fognini to assist a fan who required medical assistance.
Defending champion Alcaraz noticed a fan fall ill in the stands on Centre Court midway through the fifth set of his epic clash with Italian Fognini.
A clearly concerned Alcaraz indicated to his opponent and umpire James Keothavong that the match should be paused.
Alcaraz, bidding to win Wimbledon for the third year in a row, ran over to his chair to retrieve an icy water bottler which he gave to a steward to pass on to the supporter.
Experienced umpire Keothavong informed the court that the match would be suspended while stewards and medics assisted the fan.
‘Unfortunately there has been an incident with a spectator,’ Keothavong announced. ‘Health and safety is the priority so we will be pausing the match.’
Alcaraz hovered by the side of the court as medics assisted the fan for around 15 minutes. They were then escorted out of Centre Court on a chair.
There was applause as they were helped away and the players soon resumed a surprisingly thrilling first-round encounter.
More to follow…