Venomous Snake Interrupts Dominic Thiem's Brisbane International Qualification Match
Tennis pro Dominic Thiem faced a nail-biting moment in his Brisbane International qualifier as a venomous snake caused a dramatic interruption on court, almost jeopardizing his match against Australian player James McCabe
During Dominic Thiem's opening qualifying round at the Brisbane International tournament on Saturday, the tennis star faced an unusual interruption when a snake slithered onto the court. The 30-year-old Austrian came close to losing his match against Australian James McCabe due to the unexpected visitor. "I really love animals, especially exotic ones," Thiem stated, "But they said it was a really poisonous snake and it was close to the ballkids, so it was a really dangerous situation."
"I've never experienced anything like this before, and it's a moment that I will always remember. The eastern brown snake unexpectedly appeared on the court at the end of the first set, prompting the need for a snake catcher to remove it, as reported on the ATP website."
The eastern brown snake is responsible for more snake bite deaths in Australia than any other species, according to the Australian Museum website. The species is widespread throughout eastern Australia and is frequently found on the outskirts of many large towns and cities, as stated on the museum's website.
"What the snake lacks in venom delivery it makes up for in potency ⦠successful envenomation can result in progressive paralysis and uncontrollable bleeding."
A 2012 file photo captured a deadly Eastern Brown Snake in Sydney, Australia. The species is commonly found throughout eastern Australia, as indicated on the Australian Museum website. (Photo credit: William West/AFP/Getty Images)
During one point in the match, 20-year-old McCabe was leading Thiem 6-2 5-3 40-0 and seemed close to upsetting the former world No. 3 and earning his first win against a top-100 player. However, Thiem, currently ranked No. 98 in the world, saved three match points and ultimately won the match 2-6 7-6(4) 6-4 after a grueling two-hour, 53-minute battle at the Queensland Tennis Centre.
Thiem expressed his satisfaction with the victory, telling the Brisbane International website, "It was a good win in the end. He was playing very well, serving extremely well. Wins like today are really important. I didn't feel amazing on court, but still pulled out the win."
