LONDON — Jack Draper's second-round match against Jenson Brooksby at the Queen's Club Championships was abruptly halted on Wednesday due to a medical emergency in the crowd, forcing BBC cameras to cut away from the live broadcast. The incident occurred during the second set, with Draper leading 6-2, 3-4, when play was suspended for over 20 minutes.
Tournament officials confirmed that a spectator required urgent medical attention, prompting immediate intervention from on-site medical staff. The BBC, adhering to broadcasting protocols, swiftly shifted coverage away from the court as paramedics attended to the individual. A statement from the ATP Tour later confirmed, "The match was paused due to a medical emergency in the stands. The spectator received prompt medical care and was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment."
Match Suspension and Player Reactions
Draper, the British No. 3 and a rising star on the ATP Tour, was visibly concerned as he and Brooksby left the court during the delay. The 22-year-old later expressed relief that the situation was handled professionally. "It was a scary moment, but the medical team acted quickly. Our thoughts are with the person affected and their family," Draper told reporters after the match resumed.
Brooksby, returning to competitive tennis after a lengthy injury layoff, also praised the response. "You never want to see something like that happen. The staff did an incredible job under pressure," the American said.
Broadcast Protocol and Fan Concerns
The BBC's decision to cut away from the incident sparked mixed reactions among viewers. While some praised the broadcaster for respecting privacy, others questioned the lack of transparency. A BBC spokesperson explained, "In line with our duty of care, we avoid showing distressing scenes involving spectators. Our priority is to ensure dignity and safety for all involved."
Key details about the incident:
- The medical emergency occurred at approximately 3:15 PM local time
- Play resumed after a 25-minute delay
- No further updates on the spectator's condition were provided during the broadcast
Draper Secures Victory After Resumption
When play resumed, Draper maintained his composure to close out the match 6-2, 7-5, advancing to the quarterfinals. The victory marked another milestone in his breakthrough season, which includes a maiden ATP title in Stuttgart earlier this month. "It was tough to refocus, but I'm glad we could finish the match properly," Draper said during his on-court interview.
Brooksby's Comeback Cut Short
For Brooksby, the match represented his first ATP-level event since January due to wrist surgery. Despite the loss, the 23-year-old showed flashes of his trademark defensive skills. "Physically I felt good, which is the main positive. I'll build from here," he told ATP Media.
Tournament Safety Measures Under Scrutiny
The incident has reignited discussions about emergency preparedness at tennis tournaments. Queen's Club, one of the most prestigious events on the grass-court calendar, employs:
- Two dedicated medical teams on-site during matches
- Defibrillators positioned at multiple locations
- Protocols developed in partnership with the ATP and local NHS services
A tournament spokesperson emphasized, "All necessary measures were in place, and our response today demonstrated the effectiveness of our emergency procedures."
Looking Ahead: Draper's Quarterfinal Challenge
Draper will face fifth seed Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals, with the winner potentially meeting Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals. The British left-hander leads their head-to-head 1-0, having defeated Paul at last year's ATP Next Gen Finals. "Tommy's a great player on grass. I'll need to bring my best level," Draper cautioned.
The incident at Queen's serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of live sports. While the tennis world celebrates Draper's continued ascent, the focus remains on the wellbeing of the affected spectator. Tournament director Luiz Carvalho confirmed, "We're in contact with the individual's family and will provide support as needed. The welfare of everyone at our event is paramount."