Carlos Alcaraz got a literal buzz as the Spaniard set up an Indian Wells semi-final with his main rival and the hottest current racquet on the ATP, Jannik Sinner.
Second seed Alcaraz, looking to live up to his hype as one of the best in the sport, is seeking his first title since Winning Wimbledon eight long months ago.
He made a start by defeating German Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-1 in their quarter-final meeting amid a swarm of nectar-lusting bees around the grounds at the Tennis Garden, with the problem so acute on the main showcourt that it required the intervention of a specialist.
The insect infestation was so serious that organiser had to bring in a local beekeeper to clove the problem, with officials explaining:
“(Beekeeper Lance Davis) used a vacuum that filters the bees into a live catch cage, a natural and humane way to remove them from the site.
Beekeeper Lance Davis in action with his humane Bee catcher
“This area, at this time of the year, can be a hotspot for bees, with all the flowers blooming and blossoming. In addition, the bees can be attracted to low frequency sound waves, and (on-court) music bass, as they feel the vibrations and are attracted to those locations.
The tournament is very thankful for his quick response to the situation, and on-going assistance.”
With the sting taken out of the unusual situation, Alcaraz was able to get on with his victory after the match was interrupted for almost two hours during which the bee whisperer performed his arcane voodoo.
“It was strange, I’ve never seen something like that on a tennis court,” the Spaniard said.
“When we ran out of the court, we were watching the bee invasion on the TV and we laughed a lot about it. It was funny for me. It’s going to be remembered for that, not for the tennis.”
During his second service game, Alcaraz found himself completely surrounded by bees.
“I saw the sky and there were thousands [of bees] flying, stuck in my hair, going to me. It was crazy,” Alcaraz said.
After the intervention, the player warned up again, with Alcaraz trying to focus on the job at hand.
“I tried to not think about the bees anymore. I tried to stay focussed on the ball, stay focussed on the point.”
Alcaraz ended with 13 unforced errors while Zverev committed 36. The Spaniard who won the title here a year ago has won 10 consecutive matches in Indian Wells. Upcoming opponent Sinner is on a 19-match undefeated streak, lifting title this season at the Australian Open and Rotterdam..
