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Tennis fans were left appalled at a power outage disrupting proceedings during Victoria Azarenka and Yulia Putintseva's quarterfinal clash at the 2024 Miami Open.
Azarenka and Putintseva's quarterfinal clash saw a bizarre interruption in the fourth game of the opening set, as the chair umpire was forced to halt play due to a power outage at the WTA 1000 event.
The outage not only rendered the umpire unable to announce the scores but also caused the Hawk-eye system and the scoreboard to stop functioning. Victoria Azarenka made no secret about her displeasure at the interruption, denouncing the situation as "absolutely pathetic."
Tennis fans were shocked at the disruption, with many agreeing with Casper Ruud's assessment of the tournament. This was in reference to the Norwegian's recent rant about the lack of service standards and facilities at the "cheap" tournament.
"Casper Ruud was right about this tournament. It's giving cheap," a fan commented.
"They didn't pay the electricity bills in the Miami Open. Ruud was right, they don't have a penny, where does all the money from tickets go???" another fan chimed in.
Other fans echoed Azarenka's sentiments, condemning the tournament as a "joke."
"This is a joke of a tournament I don’t understand why it is still in existence? It’s honestly miserable for the players and spectators?" one fan posted.
"This is a joke of an event! And to think there is 25 years left in the lease there! I'd downgrade it to a ATP250!" another fan wrote.
Here are a few more reactions from fans:
Victoria Azarenka beats Yulia Putintseva to reach fifth Miami Open SF
Following the disruption caused by the power outage, Azarenka edged past Yulia Putintseva 7-6(4), 1-6, 6-3 victory after a grueling two-hour and 55-minute battle.
The Belarusian, who is on the hunt for her fourth Miami Open title, advanced to the semifinals for the fifth time. She has triumphed in Miami in 2009, 2011 and 2016.
Azarenka will take on Elena Rybakina or Maria Sakkari in a blockbuster semifinal. The former World No. 1 enjoys a perfect 2-0 winning record against Sakkari, winning 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(2) in their most recent clash at the 2021 Canadian Open. Meanwhile, Victoria Azarenka is winless in three meetings with Rybakina.
