A spine-chilling shriek from British tennis player Harriet Dart stunned spectators and television viewers during her US Open qualifying match at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old's piercing cry after winning a crucial point in her second set against Anca Todoni left Sky Sports commentators audibly shaken.
"Wow that was blood-curdling. It actually sent a shiver down my spine," one broadcaster remarked, adding: "Like something out of a horror movie."
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The ear-splitting outburst occurred as Dart battled to equalise at 4-4 in the second set, ultimately prevailing 7-5, 6-7, 7-6 in the opening qualifying round.
Harriet Dart chillingly screamed after winning a crucial point during her victory in the US Open qualifiers
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Spectators watching the match expressed their astonishment on social media.
"Harriet Dart is a set and a break up but is screaming like a mad banshee," one fan observed.
Another viewer commented: "Harriet Dart has been screaming her head off in this qualifying match."
The intense vocal display came as Dart fought to secure her place in the next qualifying round.
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The 29-year-old won the match
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Her victory sets up an encounter with American player Ayana Akli, with the winner needing to triumph in a third qualifying match to earn entry to the main US Open draw.
The British No 7 has previously found herself at the centre of controversy over her conduct during matches.
At the Rouen Open, Dart made an inappropriate request to the chair umpire regarding her French opponent Lois Boisson.
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"Can you tell her to wear deodorant because she smells really bad?" Dart asked during a changeover, with her words captured by courtside microphones.
The comment sparked widespread criticism on social media platforms.
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The British No7 has been embroiled in controversy before after requesting her opponent 'wear deodorant'
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Dart suffered a comprehensive defeat in that encounter, losing 6-0, 6-3 to Boisson in the opening round. The French player had been making her first WTA Tour appearance of the season.
She subsequently issued a public apology through Instagram for her remarks about Boisson.
"Hey everyone, I want to apologise for what I said on court today, it was a heat-of-the-moment comment that I truly regret," she wrote.
"That's not how I want to carry myself, and I take full responsibility. I have a lot of respect for Lois and how she competed today. I'll learn from this and move forward."