Dominic Thiem’s qualifying match at the Brisbane International on Saturday was interrupted by one of Australia’s most venomous snakes. The former U.S. Open champion was one set into a first-round qualifying match against Australian James McCabe when fans reportedly spotted the snake near the court-side electrical wires.
Professionals safely removed the snake, a 20-inch (50 cm) long eastern brown, during a 40-minute break from play. The 30-year-old Austrian tennis star said, “I really love animals, especially exotic ones. But they said it was a really poisonous snake and it was close to the ball kids, so it was a really dangerous situation.”
“It’s something that has never happened to me and is something I’ll definitely never forget,” he added.
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The incident didn’t stop Thiem from winning against McCabe, 2-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4, and advancing to the final round of the qualifying tournament.
Though he was once ranked No. 3 in the world, Thiem is currently ranked 98 due to a wrist injury. On Sunday, he will face either Giulio Zeppieri or Omar Jasika in the final qualifying round.
