Wimbledon 2019: Champagne cork forces point to be replayed after landing on court

A spokesperson has since reminded spectators are encouraged to uncork bottles before entering court.

A popping champagne cork interrupted a game at Wimbledon and forced a point to be replayed.

Champagne has long been a traditional feature at Wimbledon, but the SW19 mainstay got a little closer than normal to the sporting action during Friday’s play.

A point in the game between Frenchman Benoit Paire and Czech Jiri Vesely had to be replayed after a rogue cork entered the court.

Two sets into the match, with Vesely serving, a cork flew out of the watching crowd and landed on the grass.

Umpire Gianluca Moscarella called out "let, let, let", bringing play to a temporary halt as ball boys scurried across the court to collect the rogue corks.

"Ladies and gentlemen, for both players, enjoy your champagne, but please don't open it on the court please," the umpire announced.

A spokesperson from the All England Club reminded spectators that corks must be removed before getting close to the action.

"It's in the terms and conditions of entry to remove the cork before entering the court.

"All of the courts are stewarded. Spectators will be encouraged to uncork their bottles before they move in to seats in the court."​

On an average day 21,917 bottles of champagne are bought at Wimbledon, making it one of the most popular food and drink items along with the traditional Pimm’s and strawberries and cream on sale.

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Additional reporting by PA