Day 3 at Estoril Open broadcasts women in bikinis instead of on-court matches as authorities hurriedly issue apology

During that period, the mix-up on Day 3 caused interruptions in all other matches.

Day 3 at Estoril Open broadcasts women in bikinis instead of on-court matches as authorities hurriedly issue apology

Still from the Estoril Open (Via Imago)

The Estoril Open authorities apologize to viewers as its coverage of the Arthur Fils and Joao Sousa match was briefly taken off the air and replaced with women in bikinis enjoying the beach under the Portuguese sun. The tournament which has suffered delays due to rain had to issue an apology to fans on Day 3 of the event.

For context, during the first set of the match between Fils and Sousa, the Estoril Open suffered an embarrassing loss of pictures. The match was the Portuguese legend Joao Sousa‘s last game before retirement and that got viewers at home angry.

Women in bikinis as Estoril Open apologize for mix-up
Women in bikinis as Estoril Open apologize for mix-up (via Screengrab)

The authorities sent an immediate apology to viewers before returning to the match. However, despite a wonderful ovation by the crowd, Sousa lost to Fils 7-5, 6-4.

FS Video
Apologies for loss of pictures.
Estoril Open put up the message on the screen

Other matches within that time frame were all interrupted by the mix-up on Day 3. Marton Fucsovics and Jan Choiski’s match was interrupted and delayed minutes after Fils and Sousa’s was restored.

Dominic Thiem crash out of the Estoril Open after earning his first ATP win of the season

Dominic Thiem lost to Richard Gasquet in the Round of 16 of the Estoril Open on Thursday. The Austrian had earned his first win in the ATP this season after beating compatriot Maximilian Marterer 6-1, 6-7 (3), 6-4 in the first round but fell to Gasquet 4-6, 7-6.

Dominic_Thiem
Dominic Thiem (Image via Imago)

The former US Open champion had earlier revealed that he would test his troubled wrist at the tournament after competing in two Challengers last year. In his first match at the Estoril Open, the 30-year-old looked fresh and competitive, giving Marterer no chance in the third set. Against Gasquet, despite playing well, the Frenchman looked stronger than him.

However, hope remains on Thiem’s side after earning his first win of the season. The Austrian will be hoping to build on the win and perform better in his next tournament. With no intentions to retire and more tournaments to compete in, Thiem will be looking forward to more wins this season.

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