“AN ATP Tour match ended in confusion as a star broke an LED panel with a wayward shot… before retiring while the issue was being fixed. Hugo Gaston took on Daniel Altmaier at the Moselle Open, an ATP 250 event in Metz. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! An ATP tennis match was”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
Hugo Gaston took on Daniel Altmaier at the Moselle Open, an ATP 250 event in Metz.
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An ATP tennis match was interrupted by a broken panelCredit: Tennis TV
Hugo Gaston was in tears during the delayCredit: Tennis TV Diminutive home hopeful Gaston got off to a strong start, playing some good tennis to take the first set 6-4.
But things then unravelled, as he appeared to be increasingly hampered by an injury.
Altmaier went on to win the second set 6-0, with stricken 5ft 8in star Gaston unable to hold serve at all.
Towards the end of the set, a clearly hampered Gaston attempted to lob the ball from the baseline.
In doing so, he struck an LED panel within the indoor 5,300-capacity Arenes des Metz.
At the end of the set, tournament officials worked on the panel – ensuring that it would not become a safety hazard.
Former umpire-turned tournament supervisor Cedric Mourier came onto court to inform players of what was going on.
During the delay, Gaston sat in the corner alongside his coaching team.
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Gaston, 25, had been playing some good tennis prior to the delayCredit: Shutterstock Editorial The 25-year-old was tearful as he considered pulling the plug on the match due to injury.
Following a delay of around 20 minutes while the issue was sorted, Gaston formally retired from the match – shaking hands with the umpire and opponent Altmaier.
The Toulouse-born star then limped onto court to apologise to the home crowd.
Speaking on court after the match, Altmaier said: “He played a very high level in the first set. Something obviously happened in the second set which was very unfortunate.
“I would have loved to have a fight but obviously health comes first and I hope he gets well soon.”
The German, 27, will be in quarter-final action later today against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.
Daniel Altmaier moved into the quarter-finalsCredit: Shutterstock Editorial