Enlarge image
A swarm of bees buzz around a TV camera above Center Court in Indian Wells
Photo: Mark J. Terrill/dpa
At the Australian Open in January, tennis professional Alexander Zverev was disturbed by insects buzzing around him while serving.
Now his quarterfinal match at the ATP Masters against Carlos Alcaraz even had to be interrupted – because of a swarm of bees.
After nine minutes in the first set, with the score tied at 1-1, there were suddenly numerous bees buzzing around the Center Court in Indian Wells.
They glued themselves to the TV cameras – and also attacked the Spaniard Alcaraz, who was just preparing his serve.
He fled to the locker room, and Zverev also sought refuge there.
Some fans ran for cover as the referee announced: "The game will be suspended due to a bee invasion."
A beekeeper who was called was finally able to collect the bees after 45 minutes - without a protective suit.
vet/sid