Viewers labeled Sky Sports` coverage a “shambles” when Emma Raducanu`s initial match at the Madrid Open unexpectedly vanished from television screens.
The British player was competing against Dutch world No. 73 Suzan Lamens on Wednesday in the first round of the tournament held in Madrid.
During the match, which Raducanu eventually won 7-6, 6-4 – marking her first contest on clay this season – several viewers voiced complaints. Fans were dismayed after a sudden technical glitch caused the match broadcast to disappear from air.
The Sky stream abruptly switched over to show a men`s singles match instead, featuring Nuno Borges against Pablo Carreno Busta.
Disgruntled fans quickly took to social media platforms to express their frustration with the situation.
One commenter stated: “Please sort your tennis coverage @SkySportsTennis.”
Another remarked: “Shambles from Sky over Raducanu coverage.”
A third queried: “Why are we suddenly on a men’s match?”
Another user posted: “This has been down for about 10 minutes now.”
The broadcaster appeared to eventually resolve the technical issue, allowing viewers to see Raducanu secure her spot in the second round of the competition.
Raducanu`s victory over Lamens was her first match since her commendable run to the Miami Open quarter-finals last month.
Before her opening match, Raducanu had revealed her intention to continue her coaching relationship with Mark Petchey.
Following the win, Raducanu explained the significance of this particular victory for her.
The 22-year-old commented: “It meant a lot to me to get my first match win on the clay. I mean, last year, I lost first round here and then didn’t play for the rest of the clay court season.”
The British No. 2 is now scheduled to play against Ukrainian world No. 36 Marta Kostyuk in the next round.
The 2021 US Open champion is currently preparing for the next major tournament of the year, the French Open, which is set to begin on May 25.
