It's not just a Florida thunderstorm that can halt play!

​It's not just a Florida thunderstorm that can halt play!

Florida's weather can certainly be fickle, and it's not unknown for violent electrical storms to take players off court in a hurry. However, during the ATP Challenger Tour visit to Sarasota this week, the local wildlife caused James Ward and Gonzalo Lama to stop serving and step back.

​This was just after a snake had slithered onto the court and then hissed and snapped at a brave tournament volunteer who tried to remove it. Eventually, it decided a nearby bush would be a good place to watch some tennis - although, as the tie was standing at match point, Gonzalo took just moments more to skin his opponent!

James Ward by Frédéric de Villamil licensed under Creative commons 5