Deadly snake interrupts Dominic Thiem match at Brisbane International

Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem had to battle two Aussie opponents in the first round of qualifying for the Brisbane International, with a deadly snake forcing the suspension of play. The former world No 3 was taking on Australian youngster James McCabe on Saturday, with the Austrian losing the first set 2-6. But the 30-year-old’s ultimately successful fightback was put on hold when courtside fans spotted a snake. Security staff were called in and the umpire had to temporarily stop play when the snake slithered on to Show Court 2. A snake catcher eventually captured the reptile – a 50cm eastern brown snake – and removed it from the venue, allowing play to resume. Deadly snake interrupts Dominic Thiem match at Brisbane International