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The seemingly invisible rules on the tennis court were broken by this practice that caused a warning at Wimbledon during the match between Anastasia Potapova and Mirra Andreeva. And it is that, among the classic sounds of the game resounded a totally unexpected one. And no, it was not that of an aggressive drive or backhand, but the uncorking of a bottle of champagne by an anonymous person in the audience.
The popping of the cork broke the pre-serve silence, disturbing the atmosphere of the game, as an interruption that was enough to draw the attention of the Australian referee, who was forced to tell the fans not to ‘open the champagne before the players’ serve’: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, please, if you are opening a bottle of champagne, do not do so when the players are about to serve’.
Blom’s statement drew laughter and applause from the audience in unison, for that ironic event related to ‘Le White Label Sec’ champagne, which, according to Associated Press, is sold at the All England Club for 95 pounds (111 euros), and of which about 22,000 are sold each year at the tournament.
Perhaps not so surprising is this episode, considering that in 2019, a cork flew from the stands onto the court during a singles match between Benoit Paire and Jiri Vesely. The umpire called for a let, allowing Vesely to serve again, calling a ball boy to pick up the loose cork that would make tennis history.
