Poisonous snake stops play at Australia tennis tournament

In a bizarre turn of events at the Brisbane International, Dominic Thiem’s qualifying match against Australian James McCabe came to an unexpected standstill for 40 minutes on Saturday.

A poisonous snake, identified as an eastern brown snake, made an uninvited appearance courtside, sending shockwaves through the spectators.

The interruption occurred just after McCabe secured the first set with a decisive 6-2 victory over the 2020 U.S. Open champion from Austria.

The dangerous reptile was discovered slithering among electrical wires on the side of the court, creating a tense atmosphere as players, officials, and the audience grappled with the unexpected intruder.

Play was immediately suspended, and a skilled snake catcher was swiftly summoned to the scene. With a mix of expertise and caution, the professional managed to corral the snake into a bag, allowing the resumption of the match.

The eastern brown snake, known for its potent bite and venom that can lead to progressive paralysis and uncontrollable bleeding, heightened the stakes of the unusual interruption.

The Australian Museum’s website underscores the severity of encounters with these snakes, even as deaths from their bites remain rare.

Despite the unsettling interlude, Thiem eventually triumphed in the match, bringing him within one victory of securing a spot in the tournament’s main draw. The unexpected visitation of a venomous serpent added a unique chapter to the tennis tournament, ensuring an unforgettable moment for both players and spectators alike.