"Snake Delay" Halts Match At Sarasota Challenger

Even local wildlife have been clamoring for a seat at this week’s ATP Challenger Tour event in Sarasota.

During Tuesday’s first-round match between Gonzalo Lama and James Ward, a snake made its way onto the court just as Lama had reached match point. The surprise visitor prompted an unprecedented “snake delay” as a tournament volunteer rushed to shoo the snake away. The intrepid volunteer attempted to pick up the snake with his bare hands, but abandoned the brazen act when it hissed and snapped back. But luckily, the snake eventually slithered down to a bush behind the court.

Lama quickly returned to business after the delay, unleashing a final point of venomous hitting to move into the second round, 6-1, 6-1.