Indian Wells champion Jack Draper crashed 7-6 (2) 7-6 (3) to Czech Jakub-Mensik at the Miami Open on Saturday in a match that was temporarily suspended due to fan destruction.
After winning the biggest title of his career last week, Britain No. 1, which rose to a career-high in the world rankings, was shocked by Mensik despite beating the 19-year-old in his first game.
Mensic hit 21 aces on his way to victory and brought him into the third round.
The match was temporarily suspended when a large group of Brazilian spectators, waiting to see Joe Fonseca’s clash with Ugo Humbert at the same venue, expressed their anger when the match was shifted to the main stadium.
“I really didn’t know what was going on at first,” Draper told Sky Sports. “Obviously, it was getting so big that we couldn’t really hear the ball being hit. I can understand their frustration. I hope they got on the court.”
Fans waited hours in the grandstand, but booed as they left the venue, but were delighted when Fonseca later passed Humbert 6-4 6-3.
“I’ve already played the first round and really liked this decision, so I knew the atmosphere of how the court was going,” said Fonseca, 18.
“I knew there were a lot of Brazilians. The crowd is really nice. I see a lot of them cheering for me and say every match I win.”
Riley Opelka gathered to beat Denmark’s 11th Seed Holga Rune 4-6 6-3 7-6 (5) and along with Draper, Carlos Alkaraz and Danil Medvedev, there are no semifinals for the Indian Wells in the draw that is losing this week.
This report uses information from Reuters.