Whilst many spectators may have been put off from attending Wimbledon after seven first round retirements, it certainly hasn’t deterred a swarm of flying ants who have invaded the Championships today.
Many spectators, both at the All England Lawn Tennis Club and watching the BBC’s coverage, noted the infestation on social media.
This is the latest story in a run of nature’s interference in major sporting events. Moths took to centre stage for large parts of a fairly drab Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France, whilst an accidental hydrogen peroxide turned the swimming pool at the Rio Olympics 2016 green.
Andy Murray, who will take to Centre Court this afternoon against Dustin Brown, will not have to face this distraction as he looks to retain his Wimbledon crown; the flies have not yet made it to the main show court.
"Centre Court, where Jo Konta is playing Donna Vekic, is mercifully free of the flying ants that are plaguing Wimbledon – for now." Standard Sport's Dan Kilpatrick from SW19.
The insects did not bother the players too much but, given the reaction on social media, the spectators are seemingly not willing to welcome their flying friends.
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