A medical emergency brought play to an abrupt halt at Queen's Club on Wednesday afternoon when a spectator fainted during the second-set tiebreak between Emma Navarro and Beatriz Haddad Maia.
The incident occurred at the Andy Murray Arena as the players were changing ends, with Brazilian Haddad Maia leading 4-2 in the tiebreak after dominating the first set 6-1.
Medical staff rushed to assist the fan who had collapsed in the North Stand, forcing chair umpire Robert Balmforth to suspend the match whilst treatment was administered.
The dramatic interruption came during the opening match of the day at the historic west London venue.
BBC cameras cut away after a medical emergency in the crowd
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BBC cameras cut away from the action as the medical situation unfolded.
Commentator Sam Smith informing viewers: "This does happen from time to time, I think someone has been taken unwell in the North Stand so we will pause for a moment as they change ends in this tiebreak for the first time."
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Chair umpire Balmforth was heard saying "It looks like she's fainted" into his walkie-talkie before addressing the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, just to let you know we've called the medics for this situation. Until it's resolved we're not going to result the match," the umpire announced.
Both players were forced to wait by their benches as medics attended to the spectator, with Haddad Maia using the unexpected break to stretch and consult with her team.
Navarro crouched down on the grass near the baseline whilst the umpire climbed down from his chair to speak with both competitors.
Co-commentator Annabel Croft noted: "Where the lady is sitting is directly in the sun so fortunately the other people and fans around her were able to sort of put her into a recovery position straight away."
The crowd applauded as medical staff helped the fan exit the venue following treatment.
When play eventually resumed, American third seed Navarro mounted a remarkable comeback, winning five consecutive points to claim the tiebreak and level the match.
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Emma Navarro and Beatriz Haddad Maia saw their match halted
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The world number 10's recovery forced a deciding set after she had struggled earlier, having suffered a shock first-round exit at the French Open just two weeks prior.
The incident occurred during the inaugural women's tournament at Queen's Club, marking the first time in over 52 years that the venue has hosted tour-level women's matches.
The centre court was renamed the Andy Murray Arena on Monday, with the tennis icon present for a special ceremony before the tournament began.
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