Carlos Alcaraz-Alexander Zverev Indian Wells quarterfinal interrupted by swarming bees

INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—To quote Judy Murray: you cannot bee serious!

The 2024 BNP Paribas Open quarterfinal between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev got off to a stinging start in the worst sense of the phrase, as a swarm of bees delayed action on Stadium 1 Court less than three games into the match.

A bee keeper, the President of Killer Bee Live Removal, was called to court to address the situation, and the delay a total one hour, 48 minutes.

"I'm glad I'm not there anymore," remarked Iga Swiatek, watching the incident unfold during her post-match press conference. "That's crazy. There was nothing like 30 minutes ago. I would run away!"

Umpire Mohamed Lahyani, who appeared to have been stung as he descended from the chair, declared a “bee invasion” minutes after Alcaraz and Zverev fled the court, bees gathering around the stadium’s spider camera.

“There’s a first time for everything,” echoed on-court announcer Andrew Krasny with the score standing at 1-1, 15-0, Alcaraz to serve on resumption.

According to Alcaraz's agent Albert Molina, Alcaraz was also stung in the melee.