World No. 7 Mirra Andreeva has shared her experience of completing her Round of 16 match at the Mutua Madrid Open during an unexpected power outage. The young Russian player secured a victory over Ukraine`s Yulia Starodubtseva with a score of 6/1, 6/4.
Andreeva recounted the moments when the power went out: “When the score was 5-3, I was informed that the electronics were down, but supposedly the line-calling system was still operational. We were told we could continue the match, and I was pleased that we wouldn`t have to stop.”
“When it became 15-40 on my serve, my immediate thought was: `Mirra, please, please, finish this match right away.` It then became clear that none of the systems were actually working, so the umpire was making the line calls herself. It was challenging because the thought was constantly in my head: if I don`t win now, I`m going to have to wait.”
Reporter: Did anything like this ever happen to you before?
Mirra Andreeva: No, absolutely nothing similar. In a way, it was even a bit interesting, but I can fully understand how difficult it is for other players whose matches were halted and who are now waiting to resume later.
She added, “For example, Diana [Shnaider] was just starting her warm-up for her match when the power went off. I was in the gym just now, and it`s completely dark in there; everyone is using their phone flashlights to see.”
Reporter: Did playing without linesmen and an online system remind you of junior tournaments?
Mirra Andreeva: Yes, it did feel a bit like that. Although, in my match, we didn`t have any controversial shots that were very close to the lines. We were told we would rely on checking the clay marks if needed, but we didn`t end up having to check anything.”
Reporter: Were you given any information about what you can do now, perhaps about getting back to your hotel, especially with traffic lights and public transport not working in the city?
Mirra Andreeva: I haven`t asked yet, but I sincerely hope I don`t have to spend the whole night here, maybe sleeping in the gym!
Reporter: Right now, nobody even knows when they`ll be able to charge their phones. How do you think you`ll cope without yours?
Mirra Andreeva: Oh, I would be perfectly fine, even if you took my phone away for good! The only thing I actually needed it for right now was the flashlight. But I always carry a book with me, and Uno cards – so if my phone battery dies, I will definitely find something to keep myself occupied.”
Major power outages affected parts of Spain, Portugal, and France today, leading to significant disruptions. Numerous matches at the Madrid tournament were cancelled or postponed. In the women`s draw, only Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff were able to complete their matches and advance to the quarterfinals. In the men`s draw, only one match finished, with Matteo Arnaldi defeating Damir Dzumhur.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Marcus Blakely