Dominic Thiem’s match with James McCabe is suspended after a SNAKE slithers onto the court, with professional called on to capture the world’s second most deadly serpent courtside during qualifier in Brisbane
- Dominic Thiem's qualifying victory in Brisbane was disrupted by a poisonous snake
- The creature, the second deadliest in the world, was seen passing the court
- A professional snake catcher was called in to catch the dangerous visitor
Dominic Thiem's qualifying victory at the Brisbane International on Saturday was marred by the presence of a deadly snake track.
The creature, the second deadliest snake in the world, was spotted during the match, delaying proceedings while a professional catcher was called in to nab the dangerous visitor.
Former US Open champion Thiem was in the second set against Australian James McCabe when fans courtside spotted a deadly 50cm-long eastern brown snake.
Security personnel were called in and the referee temporarily stopped the action when the snake slithered onto the pitch, and a snake catcher was called in to remove it.
The snake's venom contains a deadly cocktail of toxins, including a powerful neurotoxin that paralyzes the nerves of the heart, lungs and diaphragm.
Dominic Thiem's qualifying match at the Brisbane International was interrupted by a deadly snake
The 20-inch eastern brown snake is the second deadliest snake in the world due to its poisonous venom
The match was suspended while a local snake catcher was called in to deal with the creature
After the match, Thiem – who returns from a long absence from injury – declared himself a fan of snakes despite the unusual interruption of the match.
The Austrian veteran said: 'I really love animals, especially exotic ones.
'But they said it was a very poisonous snake and it was close to the ball kids, so it was a very dangerous situation.
“It's something that has never happened to me and something I will certainly never forget.”
Local expert Lucas Perrett, who caught the snake, told the story 9News Queensland: 'My wife is a huge tennis fan, we even have tickets for next Saturday and Sunday.
“And when I texted her saying 'I'm going to pick up a snake at the Brisbane International' she said 'No way, give me an autograph'.”
Thiem was in defeat to McCabe at the time of the snake incident and had to save three match points against his 20-year-old Australian opponent in the second before finally dominant 2-6 7-6 (7-4) 6-4.
Australian James McCabe had three match points, but could not seal the victory in Brisbane
Thiem is outside the automatic Australian Open spots after a troublesome wrist injury
The 30-year-old was looking down at 3-5, 0-40 on McCabe's serve in the second set, but saved all three points and forced a tiebreak that went in the Austrian's favour.
A 6-4 victory in the deciding set brought Thiem within one win of the main draw.
About McCabe, the former world number 3 said: 'He played very well. I thought he served exceptionally well. In the end it was a good win.'
Thiem, now ranked 98th in the world after falling down the rankings due to a troublesome wrist injury, will have to rely on late withdrawals to avoid qualifying for the Australian Open after crossing the main draw mark by one place has missed.