Madrid fans sent away as power cut paralyses Spain

Madrid Masters organisers bowed to the inevitable on Monday, cancelling play for the day and ordering thousands of disappointed and confused fans to leave the Caja Magica due to the massive power cut which rocked the Iberian peninsula.

More than six hours after electricity went out in much of Spain and Portugal and a part of southwest France due to unknown causes, officials at the ATP-WTA found it impossible to carry on without power.

Despite the blackout occurring  at midday, the dependence on electronic linecalling meant that matches could not carry on.

Following an afternoon of waiting and hoping, the plug was finally pulled, with hopes that the major situation will be sorted by Tuesday.

“For reasons beyond the control of the organisation and as a result of the nationwide power-cut that has hit Spain on Monday 28 April, competition in the day and night sessions was unable to continue as scheduled at the Mutua Madrid Open,” a statement read.

“The lack of power led to the operational downfall of infrastructure across the nation, including in the Caja Magica.”

Officials said they had “no choice but to suspend/cancel all sporting activity in order to guarantee the safety of the players, fans and personnel.

“The Mutua Madrid Open recommends that all spectators leave the Caja Magica for safety reasons.”

News reports indicated that while the event may not have been a cyberattack, investigations have begun, with power possibly taking overnight to return to normal.”

Main photo:- La Caja Magica empties as play is cancelled for the day