Deadly brown snake interrupts tennis match
.Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem has 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.Key points:
- Play was temporarily halted when fans at the Brisbane International spotted a snake on the court on Saturday
- A snake catcher caught the deadly 50cm eastern brown snake, allowing play to resume
- Austria's Dominic Thiem went on to beat Australian youngster James McCabe in three sets
The former world number three was taking on Australian youngster James McCabe on Saturday, the Austrian veteran saving three match points before prevailing 2-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4.
The 30-year-old Thiem was under the pump in the second set when fans courtside spotted the snake.
Security staff were called in, but the umpire had to temporarily stop play when it slithered onto the court.
A snake catcher eventually captured the reptile — a deadly 50cm eastern brown — and removed it from the venue, allowing play to resume.

"I really love animals, especially exotic ones," Thiem said after the match.
"But they said it was a really poisonous snake and it was close to the ball kids, so it was a really dangerous situation.
"It's something that has never happened to me and it's something I'll definitely never forget."
Thiem had looked down and out at 3-5, 0-40 on McCabe's serve.
But he saved all three match points and forced a tie-break before eventually prevailing to move within one victory of the main draw
Deadly eastern brown snake interrupts Dominic Thiem match at Brisbane International - ABC News