Bird stops play at French Open

An injured pigeon rather than rain brought play to a halt at the French Open on Saturday during Daniil Medvedev's third round win over Tomas Machac.

The bird dropped onto the clay surface of Court Suzanne Lenglen during the fourth set of the Russian's 7-6 (7/4), 7-5, 1-6, 6-4 victory.

The chair umpire clambered down to rescue the bird before wrapping it in a towel and passing it to an official who carried it away.

Former world number one Medvedev said he was grateful for the surprise intervention as it gave him time to catch his breath.

"It was really good for me because in Grand Slams you have less time on the bench. I think it's 1:15. Where in ATP tournaments it's 1:30. It's just 15 seconds, but throughout five sets you can feel this 15 seconds," said Medvedev.

"We had a crazy game before this happened. I hope the bird was okay. It was not looking good. I think maybe something with the wing.

"But I was like, oh, my God, if it gives me extra minute to breathe, it would be perfect, and it did. For me it was a good moment."

The former US Open champion added: "The referee did a good job. He was very gentle."

dj/ea