The match between Alexander Zverev and Dominik Koepfer at the Acapulco ATP event came to a shuddering halt on Friday night due to an earthquake.
According to Mexico’s National Seismological Institute, the epicenter of the 5.7 magnitude earthquake was close to San Marco, which is about a two-hour drive from Acapulco.
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With Koepfer serving at 40/15 in the first game of the second set, there were tremors that shook the stadium.
“I didn’t know what happened. Neither did Dominik. We just heard the crowd. I guess the lights started shaking and the crowd felt it more than we did. We were running around the court, so we had to play a point during the earthquake,” said Zverev.
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“We didn’t feel much, but still obviously I know it happens here in Acapulco. I’ve witnessed it here before, so I guess it’s normal for Acapulco.
“Last year we had a similar thing during my match or during my practice. I don’t remember. It was bigger though, because I saw the lights shaking. I didn’t see anything today. But I guess it happens in this area. Everything is proved to be stable… I hope everyone is fine at the area that is closest to the earthquake.”
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The 23-year-old eventually won the semifinal 6-4, 7-6 (5). He will take on Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final on Saturday.
Players who were off court felt the earthquake to a greater extent. Ken Skupski and Neal Skupski had recently won their doubles semi-final against Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury.
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“It was really strange, that,” said Neal, who had just laid down on the massage table when the quake hit.
“I actually thought it was some massage technique that he was doing, because the bed was shaking. I just thought it was normal. Then an alarm went off on his phone and that’s when I thought, ‘This is a bit strange.’ Then he said, ‘We’re going to go outside because of an earthquake.’ I couldn’t put my clothes on quick enough to get out of the building.
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“I [experienced] one before many years ago in Italy throughout the night, but not as big as that one. Really weird and I don’t want to be in one of them again.”
