Berlin Tennis Open evacuated in severe storm, final delayed
· Yahoo Sports
A severe thunderstorm with torrential rain has led to a venue evacuation at the Berlin Open women's tennis tournament and a delay of the final between Jessica Pegula and Linda Noskova.
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Organizers said on Sunday that they were prepared for the forecast weather and made precautionary measures but that "the intensity and speed of the storm made additional actions necessary at very short notice.
"Our teams are currently working at full speed to restore the venue. In addition to damage to parts of the infrastructure, technical systems were also affected. Before the grounds can be reopened, all safety requirements for visitors must be fully met," it said.
The flooded ground was evacuated and a resumption of play is not expected before 4pm (1400 GMT) at this stage. The final was originally set to start at noon (1000 GMT).
The Bild paper showed pictures of the flooded grounds, saying that power cables were lying in the water which could not be drained away because the grass courts are below the public area and would be flooded this way.