Bee stings Carlos Alcaraz during Indian Wells match against Zverev

In a bizarre twist at the Indian Wells Masters, rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz’s quarterfinal match against Alexander Zverev was suspended — not for the usual suspects like weather or injury — but a swarm of bees. The young phenom faced an unexpected adversary in the form of a bee, which stung him on the forehead, his agent Albert Molina reported. Thankfully, the sting was without serious consequences. Alcaraz went on to win the match 6-3, 6-1.

The bee interruption came early in the contest, with the score tied at one game apiece and the third just underway. Spectators and players alike were stunned as bees flooded the court, causing a prompt and necessary break in the action.

Alcaraz runs from bees to safety

Alcaraz, ready to serve, found himself at the center of the swarm, battling the buzzing invaders. Molina, speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, recounted the initial disbelief as a cloud of what seemed like mosquitoes quickly revealed itself to be a more formidable insect invasion. Alcaraz’s quick reaction saw him dash for the safety of the locker room tunnel, while his opponent Zverev was, by chance, spared from the commotion.

The airborne visitors congregated on the spider cam, a roaming stadium camera, turning it into their temporary hive and bringing the match to a standstill. Mohamed Lahyani, the chair umpire, officially announced the postponement due to the “bee invasion”.

Beekeeper, Lance, to the rescue at Indian Wells

A beekeeper, Lance, was summoned to the scene, embarking on a bee vacuuming mission sans protection, aiming to clear the court and resume play shortly after. The bees, however, were not so easily dissuaded, lingering despite his best efforts. The beekeeper, bearing a striking resemblance to former soccer player Mono Burgos, became an impromptu sensation, engaging with the crowd and even attempting to assure the players that the coast was clear.

Alcaraz, while not concerned about further stings, voiced his concern about the distraction posed by any remaining bees, saying: “But they going to distract me, because I can see them”. The match eventually resumed, but not without an unforgettable intermission that had players, fans, and a swarm of bees creating an unprecedented racket.