Berlin Open final day disrupted as storm forces fan evacuation

Berlin Open organizers evacuated spectators on Sunday after severe weather hit the tournament grounds, disrupting final-day play and delaying the women’s singles final between Jessica Pegula and Linda Noskova.

Officials closed the venue at 12:41 local time and later said no matches would begin before 4:00 p.m. because of damage to infrastructure and technical systems. The tournament said visitor safety was its highest priority.

Storm hits final day

The disruption came as Berlin was hit by heavy rain, thunder and strong wind gusts. Reports from the city described fast-moving storm conditions that also prompted wider emergency responses in the capital.

At least one report said affected spectators were moved to nearby shelter areas, including the Auerbachtunnel and Berlin-Grunewald station.

Safety and damage concerns

Organizers said they had prepared for forecast weather, but the intensity of the storm required urgent extra action at short notice. They also cited damage to infrastructure and technical systems at the venue.

The Berlin Open is the women’s WTA grass-court tournament in the city and a lead-in to Wimbledon, so the final-day delay also raised questions about the timing of the event’s last match and the condition of the site afterward.

What happens next

By Sunday afternoon, the main open question was whether the final would be played later the same day or moved to another date. Organizers had not yet given a final revised schedule in the reports reviewed for this story.

Further updates are expected on venue repairs, safety assessments and any new start time for the final.