Fans joke ‘only at Wimbledon’ as umpire is forced to interrupt match with hilarious warning to the crowd
FANS joked "only at Wimbledon" as an umpire interrupted a match to have a pop... at spectators popping champagne!
Experienced Aussie official John Blom intervened to warn: "Ladies and gentlemen, if you are opening a bottle of champagne, don't do it as the players are about to serve."
It came as Anastasia Potopova served in the opening game of her 6-2 7-5 defeat against 16-year-old sensation Mirra Andreeva.
Blom's words drew laughter and applause from the crowd, while Potopova smiled and nodded her head in agreement with the message.
Ironically, qualifier Andreeva is two years below the legal drinking age in her native country but she again dazzled to beat fellow Russian Potapova in 95 minutes.
And most fans on social media loved Blom's warning, although some argued it was the ultimate "first-world problem".
READ MORE ON TENNIS
One said: "This is the beauty of Wimbledon! Made my wife fall in love with the place :)"
Another posted: "Wimbledon is just a vibe. Love it."
A third wrote: "Most Wimbledon thing ever".
But jokers also pounced on Blom's announcement.
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
One fan teased the tournament's genteel reputation, especially compared to football supporters.
He wrote: "The Wimbledon Ultras at it again I see."
But another was just relieved the warning had been so specific.
She posted: "Thank goodness he said Champagne and not sparkling wine or whatever, must keep up the standards!"
In fact, an umpire stepped in with a similar - but even more serious - alert four years ago.
A match between Benoit Paire and Jiri Vesely was interrupted when a champagne cork flew on the court.
And Wimbledon does have clear guidelines on the matter.
The All England Club's conditions of entry state: "All corked bottles, including bottles of champagne and sparkling wine, must be opened prior to being taken into the stands of any court."
READ MORE SUN STORIES
One fan, however, believes he has worked out the perfect punishment for spectators popping inappropriately.
He suggested: "Free champagne for everyone in the audience, paid for by the offender."
Wimbledon 2023 LIVE: Point-by-point action, results and news from the All England Club