ATP Finals match halted for medical emergency as umpire forced to step in

The ATP Finals match between Lorenzo Musetti and Alex De Minaur was stopped in the third and deciding set after a medical emergency in the crowd. Play was halted after the Aussie took the first two games, having come back from losing the opening set to his opponent.

The umpire, having stepped down from his chair, informed both players that they needed to take a break from proceedings in order for medics to rush to the scene and attend to a spectator who had fallen ill in Turin, Italy. De Minaur and Musetti attempted to keep warm as they hoped for encouraging news from up in the stands.

They were told that they could consult with their teams on how best to keep up their fitness, with the umpire confirming to De Minaur that a stoppage was taking place.

Players eventually were told that they could resume play while medics were attending to the unwell fan inside the arena. Commentators later confirmed that the person had been taken out of the stadium to receive further treatment.

There will be hope that this incident is not as serious as Monday's two, with the ATP and Italian Tennis Federation (FITP) confirming that two fans died from cardiac arrests at the tournament.

The individuals were aged 70 and 78 and died in separate incidents at the Inalpi Arena.

"The FITP and the ATP express their deepest condolences following the tragic passing of two spectators yesterday during the ATP Finals in Turin," a joint statement said.

"On-site medical and emergency personnel responded immediately, providing all possible assistance. Despite prompt intervention and subsequent transfer to hospital, unfortunately, both sadly passed away."

Earlier in the day, Carlos Alcaraz came from behind to defeat Taylor Fritz 2-6 7-7 6-3 in his second match at the tournament.

Musetti's debut at the end-of-year event started with defeat to American Fritz, who silenced the Italian crowd with a 6-3 6-4 win.

"I am really happy. I thought I did a lot of things really well," Fritz said. "I did a great job early on in the match to serve my way out of trouble and save some break points. The whole second set I played well and had a lot of chances to break that I didn't get. I am really happy I was able to serve it out there and it didn't come back to ruin it.

"Every time I come here, I like the conditions and it is very easy to get motivated. You can lock in, it is the last tournament of the year and it is the ATP Finals, it is a big deal."