Back to back mid-game dramas finds Alex de Minaur in Rome!

Unexpected dramas unfolded at the Italian Open in Rome this week during Alex De Minaur's matches against Italian favorite Luca Nardi and Bolivian Hugo Dellien next round. On the game against Nardi, with the Australian leading by one set and the second set tied at 4-4, De Minaur stopped play to directly confront a spectator situated in the front row of the Grand Stand Arena. Clearly bothered by something, De Minaur was heard asking, "So who was it? Who was it? Who went like that?" repeatedly.

The chair umpire swiftly intervened, approaching the area and addressing the spectators directly. The umpire issued a stern warning, explicitly telling one individual, "I've seen you that you've done it." He then added, "You listen to me, if you do it one more time, you will leave the stadium. Is that clear?" The incident left even the match commentators "baffled," with one noting that De Minaur would not continue until the spectator in question was no longer watching.

Despite the interruption and clear frustration, De Minaur managed to regain his composure and went on to win the match, securing his place in the next round of the Italian Open.

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In his post-match comments, De Minaur did not directly address the confrontation but spoke about the challenging nature of the match itself. He admitted it "wasn't easy by any means, it was a tough match" and felt the standard of tennis "don't think was great from both sides."

He emphasized the mental effort required, stating he did his "best to stay focused and stay as strong as I could mentally." He also acknowledged having numerous missed opportunities throughout the match but felt he "did well to not lose my head! Because it would've been quite easy to get frustrated" after failing to convert many break chances.

Alex De Minaur faced Bolivian Hugo Dellien in the round of 32 as he continued his campaign in Rome. On that game, a tense moment unfolded as the game suspended for several minutes due to a medical emergency in the stands. The incident occurred during the first set of their Round of 16 clash when a spectator collapsed, prompting immediate action from the medical team.

The Australian noticed the commotion in the stands, followed by urgent shouts from the crowd. Upon hearing the distress, De Minaur paused his play and turned toward the umpire and officials, signaling that something was wrong. The crowd’s reaction alerted both the players and the staff, who quickly stopped the match to focus on the well-being of the spectator.

Paramedics quickly entered the scene and the match was temporarily halted as a result with fans and players alike anxiously awaiting the outcome of the medical situation. Then the match resumed and in the end De Minaur proceeded to the next round winning both sets 6-4.