Tennis Tournament Issued Hilarious Apology For Broadcasting Women In Bikinis At The Beach Instead Of Match
The Estoril Open is taking place this week, as it does annually, in the Portuguese Riviera. An unplanned break in the coverage Wednesday led to an all-time hilarious apology during the broadcast.
Tennis fans tuning in for the third day of the men's singles action might have had some explaining to do if anyone walked in on them when the scheduled match was replaced with bikini-clad women soaking up the Portuguese sun at the beach.
ESTORIL, PORTUGAL - APRIL 03: Joao Sousa from Portugal celebrates wining a point during the match between Arthur Fils from France and Joao Sousa from Portugal during the Qualifying round of Millennium Estoril Open 2024 in Estoril, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Thankfully, the broadcast included an apology message from the tournament that read, "Apologies For Loss Of Pictures." It also included "Millennium Estoril Open" at the bottom for anyone wondering what they were supposed to be watching.
The laugh out loud apology on the screen while women in bikinis replaced the expected tennis action likely helped put an end to a potential argument or two between couples. It wasn't good enough for at least one tennis fan who shockingly took up issue with the break.
The unhappy fan posted their complaint on X, "Your tournament is complete nonsense. What do you mean you're sorry for losing the idea of matches being broadcast live, and instead you're showing Estoril beach?"
There Were Some Tennis Fans Who Enjoyed The Bikini Break
Others who either caught the hiccup in the broadcast as it happened or saw it after the fact didn't mind the shots of the beach making it on air. Over on Reddit, fans of the mid-match entertainment showed their support.
"Apology accepted," said one.
Another supporter of the break in the tennis action joked, "Dear viewers, we are sorry to announce that the connection has been reestablished, and we have to get back to showing tennis."
"I need more apologies," said a third. With yet another adding, "May your connection problems last forever."
As much fun as some had with the tennis tournament's mistake and the apology that came with it, it was far from the only notable moment Wednesday that had tennis circles talking.
Portugal's own Joao Sousa called it a career. The 35-year-old retired from tennis after playing his last singles match as a professional, a loss to 19-year-old Arthur Fils.
Sousa was once ranked in the top 30 during his career with a couple of trips to the fourth round of big tournaments under his belt.
He probably didn't want to end his career on a loss, but his last day of professional tennis included an all-time apology/break in the action. So all things considered, it could have been worse.
When my final day on the job comes, I'd like a bikini send off as well.