Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem faced a second opponent during a match in Brisbane – one of Australia’s most venomous snakes.
The former world number three was facing Australia‘s James McCabe during a first round qualifier at the Brisbane International when the snake slithered on to the court.
The umpire stopped play after the reptile was spotted by fans courtside.
Thiem said he loves animals, “especially exotic ones”.
“But they said it was a really poisonous snake and it was close to the ballkids, so it was a really dangerous situation,” he added.
“It’s something that has never happened to me and is something I’ll definitely never forget.”
The snake, measuring 50cm, has been identified as a eastern brown – one of the most deadly reptiles in Australia.
It was safely removed which allowed the match to resume.
Austria’s Thiem has had a recurring wrist injury for several years and is currently ranked number 98 in the world.
He reached the final of the Australian Open in 2020, pushing Novak Djokovic to five sets.
He then went on to win the US Open later that year.