Play at the Mutua Madrid Open was abruptly halted due to a power outage on a day when all 16 remaining women were scheduled to compete.
Media outlets reported that the extensive power failure impacted millions across Spain and large parts of Europe. The initial cause was unknown, though early reports pointed to issues with the European electric grid.
The blackout occurred after noon, shortly after two of the planned eight women`s fourth-round matches had concluded.
Before the interruption, fourth seed Coco Gauff defeated Belinda Bencic with a score of 6-4, 6-2. In another completed match, seventh seed Mirra Andreeva advanced by beating qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-1, 6-4.
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek was observed in the darkened players` lounge with her team. She had been waiting for the men`s match between Grigor Dimitrov and qualifier Jacob Fearnley in Manolo Santana Stadium to finish before her own match could begin.
