PARIS, June 2, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - An injured pigeon rather than rain brought
play to a halt at the French Open on Saturday during Daniil Medvedev's third
round win over Tomas Machac.

The bird dropped onto the clay surface of Court Suzanne Lenglen during the
fourth set of the Russian's 7-6 (7/4), 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 victory.

The chair umpire clambered down to rescue the bird before wrapping it in a
towel and passing it to an official who carried it away.

Former world number one Medvedev said he was grateful for the surprise
intervention as it gave him time to catch his breath.

"It was really good for me because in Grand Slams you have less time on the
bench. I think it's 1:15. Where in ATP tournaments it's 1:30. It's just 15
seconds, but throughout five sets you can feel this 15 seconds," said
Medvedev.

"We had a crazy game before this happened. I hope the bird was okay. It was
not looking good. I think maybe something with the wing.

"But I was like, oh, my God, if it gives me extra minute to breathe, it would
be perfect, and it did. For me it was a good moment."

The former US Open champion added: "The referee did a good job. He was very
gentle."