You Can't Bee Serious: Swarm Of Bees Halts Tennis Match At Indian Wells

The Indian Wells tennis tournament is one of the biggest non-major events on the sport's calendar.

 The tournament takes place in the desert out in California, but is not immune to delays. It might seem surprising, but the tournament already had several rain delays, despite being located in an arid climate. But, the reason the highly-anticipated match between No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 6 Alexander Zverev was stopped had nothing to do with weather. 

Instead, a massive invasion of bees overtook Stadium 1 shortly after the match began. Alcaraz and Zverev played just two games, with both men holding serve. Alcaraz won the first point in game three before all hell broke loose. 

A swarm of bees descended upon Stadium 1 at Indian Wells, halting the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev.

(Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Setting up to hit his second serve of the game, Alcaraz notices several bees flying around his head. He tried to shoo them away before realizing that there were A LOT of bees swarming around him. Alcaraz threw up his arms, as if to say "how am I supposed to serve with this going on?" 

He didn't have to, as both players left the court, but not before he was reportedly stung in the forehead. 

The match was suspended because of a … bee invasion. That has to be a first, right? 

Something attracted the swarm to the spider camera inside the stadium, though what the attraction was is not yet clear. 

This is the stuff of nightmares for most people. Even those not allergic to bees, like myself, find the little pests terrifying. 

Why? I'm not even sure. Getting stung by a bee isn't fun, but it's not the end of the world. Still, I hear that buzz in my ear and I scream and sprint away as if the grim reaper is knocking on my door. 

Credit to Alcaraz for even considering continuing to play, but his second reaction is more relatable. 

"I'm getting the hell out of here."