ENGLAND: In a comical turn of events at the oldest Grand Slam tournament, Wimbledon, the timing of Champagne popping caused a minor disruption on Sunday.
As the players prepared for a match on No. 3 Court, an Australian umpire, John Blom, took the microphone to request that the spectators refrain from opening Champagne bottles during the players’ serves.
Anastasia Potapova, the 22nd-seeded player, received the umpire’s announcement with a smile and a nod. However, the mishap had already affected her game.
As she prepared to serve in her third-round match against teenager Mirra Andreeva, a Champagne cork popped just as she tossed the ball in the air, causing her serve to go long. Potapova lost the subsequent point on her second serve, adding to the humorous moment.
The All England Club offers Lanson Champagne on its grounds, allowing spectators to enjoy the popular beverage alongside the traditional strawberries and cream.
Available by the glass, half-bottle, and bottle, the luxurious “Le White Label Sec” Champagne sells for £95.10 ($122) per bottle. Some spectators opt to bring their own Champagne, appreciating the club’s policy that permits personal bottles.
Sarah-Jane Watson, a lawyer from Surrey, shared her experience of bringing both her own bottle and purchasing one on-site.
She and her husband enjoyed watching matches on No. 2 Court, though they were kindly asked by a security guard not to open the bottle inside.
Meanwhile, on Centre Court, a cork could be heard popping between points during a match featuring Iga Swiatek and Belinda Bencic.
Marie Bouzkova, the 32nd-seeded player, shared her perspective on the distraction caused by the Champagne popping. The Czech Republic native, who lost to Marketa Vondrousova, mentioned her ability to stay focused during matches.
In fact, she recalled a previous instance when she hadn’t noticed a fire alarm going off in a nearby building during a match.
Bouzkova humorously remarked that the noise level at Wimbledon was relatively low compared to the boisterous crowds at Flushing Meadows in New York.
Despite the momentary interruptions caused by Champagne celebrations, the players demonstrated their professionalism and commitment to the game.
Wimbledon, known for its traditions and the elegant ambiance it creates, continues to captivate tennis fans around the world.
As the tournament progresses, spectators will likely heed the umpire’s request and time their Champagne indulgence more thoughtfully, ensuring that the players can serve without any unexpected surprises.
The combination of sporting excellence and the occasional light-hearted moment make Wimbledon a truly unique and memorable event in the world of tennis.
Also Read: Svitolina Triumphs over Azarenka in Epic Wimbledon Battle
