Umpire Arnaud Gabas looked terrified as he was hastily wheeled off Court 2 while still sat in his chair. Rain began to fall while Clara Tauson held serve against Elena Rybakina to make the score 4-4 in the first set.
However, Touson complained that it was “so slippery” after tumbling to the ground and many umbrellas started to spring up in the stands. Umpire Gabas stepped down from his chair and said “we are going to wait a bit” as he walked around the court to do an inspection.
He touched the ground with his hand before walking back to his chair. The Frenchman then called the supervisor to check the situation on the other courts.
Touson, sat sheltered in her courtside seat, said: “Even if it stops right now, it’s going to take time to dry, no?”
James Burrage, co-commentating for the BBC, said: “It has come at a really pivitol time in this first set. You can see play continung on the outside courts.”
And commentator Melanie South added: “Touson had a little slip and you can be really wary of your movement. It does look like it’s coming down a little harder now though.”
As the rain began to pick up, the umpire announced to the crowd: “Ladies and gentleman, play is suspended.”
Match assistants then rushed onto the court to cover the grass. The team of helpers conduct speed tests ahead of The Championships to see how quickly they can remove the net and apply the waterproof cover.
But before they can do both of those tasks, they have to remove the umpires chair – even if they are still sat in it.
Gabas was wheeled backwards off the court in his 6ft 9in chair and it appeared to snag on something on the ground, causing him to jerk forwards. He puffed out his cheekys after coming close to falling from the height.
Match assistants spring into action quickly when rain falls so it will take less time for the court to dry once the rain stops.
The Centre Court match assistant team can complete the process in 30 seconds.
However on this occasion, one of the assistants slipped on the wet surface as she was sprinting to apply the cover, drawing groans from the departing spectators. She was able to continue.
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