Tennis Disrupted at 2023 Italian Open
Tennis enthusiasts were met with an unexpected disruption at the 2023 Italian Open in Rome, as two matches were temporarily suspended due to a protest by climate activists.
The last-16 encounter between American player Madison Keys and Romania’s Sorana Cirstea was interrupted, along with a doubles match featuring Santiago Gonzalez, Edouard Roger-Vasselin, Marcelo Arevalo, and Mate Pavic.
According to the Italian Open website, the match between Keys and Cirstea was halted when two protesters, wearing orange vests, ran onto the court and threw confetti. Additionally, other activists glued themselves to the stands, prompting the intervention of police and firefighters.
After the protesters were removed, the match resumed, with Madison Keys emerging victorious with a 6-2, 6-1 scoreline.
A similar incident occurred on Court 12, causing a temporary stoppage in the doubles encounter. The Italian Open organizers swiftly addressed the disruptions, ensuring the smooth continuation of the tournament.
🔗 Source