Berlin Open Final Postponed After Severe Thunderstorm Floods Venue

Muscat: A severe thunderstorm with heavy rain forced the evacuation of the Berlin Open women's tennis venue and postponed the final between Jessica Pegula and Linda Nosková. According to Oman News Agency, organisers said they had prepared for expected weather and taken precautions, but 'the intensity and rapid development of the storm required additional measures in a very short time.' 'Our teams are working at full speed to rehabilitate the site,' they added. 'In addition to damage to parts of the infrastructure, technical systems have also been affected. All visitor safety requirements must be fully met before the facility can be reopened.' The waterlogged court was evacuated, and play is not expected to resume before 4:00 PM (14:00 GMT). The final had originally been scheduled to start at 10:00 AM (10:00 GMT). Bild published images of the flooded venue, noting that electrical cables were lying in water and drainage was difficult because the grass courts sit lower than the spectator area, which would have worsened the flooding.