In an unprecedented turn of events, the ATP Challenger tournament in Brazzaville, Congo, was dramatically interrupted as the Congo army deployed tear gas in the streets near the tennis venue. The incident occurred during a match between Guy Den Ouden and Ivan Denisov, causing a temporary halt to the proceedings and raising concerns about the safety of players and spectators.
The chaos began with reports of gunfire in the vicinity of the tennis courts, creating a tense atmosphere for those present. As the situation escalated, the army arrived on the scene with tanks and began dispersing tear gas to control the unrest.
Despite the disruption, the tournament organizers managed to stabilize the situation, and play resumed after a brief interruption. The incident, however, left a lasting impression on the participants and highlighted the unpredictable nature of hosting international sporting events in regions with ongoing conflicts.
UPDATE!
Later the ATP Challenger Tour released a statement saying that it was a drill organzed by the local police.