In an unexpected turn of events, the Italian Open was disrupted when protesters invaded the Pietrangeli court during a match between Madison Keys and Sorana Cirstea. The fourth-round encounter was progressing into the second set when individuals donning orange vests stormed the court, scattering confetti and causing an immediate suspension of play.
The incident, which unfolded on the historic clay courts, prompted a pause in the action as officials and security personnel worked to remove the protesters and clean the debris. This delay in the prestigious tournament highlights the increasing frequency of protests affecting tennis matches, a trend that has been observed in other major tournaments in recent years.
The reasons behind the protest remain unclear, but the impact was evident as players, officials, and spectators were caught off guard by the sudden interruption. The match, which had been closely contested, was left in limbo.
This is not the first time tennis has seen such disruptions. Previous incidents at the US Open and Wimbledon have shown that the sport is not immune to the influence of external events and causes. As the tennis community continues to grapple with these interruptions, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and integrity of the sport for all involved.
As the confetti was cleared and order restored, the match resumed, but the day’s events will undoubtedly spark conversations about security measures and the intersection of sports and social activism. The Italian Open, set against the backdrop of Rome’s rich history, became yet another venue where the world of sports and the realm of public protest collided.
Incident during Cirstea-Keys, two protesters on courts throwing confetti. #wta #tennis #ibi pic.twitter.com/fGSYFvnfrr
— Angelica Fratini (@angelikf) May 13, 2024
La partita sul Pietrangeli tra Keys e Cirstea è stata interrotta per una protesta con invasione di campo.pic.twitter.com/R3OkApz3yR
— Quindici Zero 🎾 (@quindicizero) May 13, 2024
Cirstea in Rome, ranking, and results in 2024
Now the world no.32, Sorana owns an overall 12-10 match record in 2024. Cirstea is participating in Rome where she conquered the world no.102 Brenda Fruhvirtova 7-5 6-0 and the world no.6 Marketa Vondrousova 7-61 6-3.
Sorana Cirstea will square off with the world no.16 Madison Keys in the 4th round on Monday at 11:00 am on PIETRANGELI. The head to head is 2-0 for Cirstea.
Keys in Rome, ranking, and results in 2024
LWWWLWLWWW Now ranked no.16, the American has a composed 9-4 win-loss record in 2024. The American is currently playing in Rome where she defeated the world no.64 Maria Camila Osorio Serrano 6-0 4-6 6-3 and the world no.13 Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-4 4-6 6-3.
Madison Keys will take on the world no.32 Sorana Cirstea in the 4th round on Monday at 11:00 am on PIETRANGELI. Their current head to head is 2-0 for Cirstea.
Madison won 8 titles in her career: 4 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
Sorana Cirstea and Madison Keys fought against each other just on 2 occasions. The head to head is 2-0 for Cirstea. Previously, the last time they fought against each other, Sorana Cirstea won 6-1 ret. in the 2nd round in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open) in March 2023.
