Since when did tennis become a contact sport?
Play was briefly halted at the U.S. Open when a fight broke out in the stands of the Arthur Ashe Stadium during a match between Novak Djokovic and Philipp Petzschner Thursday night.
Midway through the second-round match, Joey Pedevill, 27, was dropping f-bombs, when Tracey Falco, 49, complained. After a few minutes of verbal sparring, Falco smacked Pedevill in the face. The two continued to exchange verbal jabs, as Tracey’s 75-year-old dad, Lawrence Burnett, looked on. Pedevill sits down, and Burnett attacks, knocking them both to the ground. As Pedevill gets up, Falco goes for his throat, while security is called.
In the first video, people seem to be siding with Falco and Burnett, screaming “Throw the bum out!”
In the second video, a guy can be heard saying, “She has no right to hit him,” while the guy with the camera tells Pedevill “Hey, I got it on video. Don’t worry guy, I got you man!”
All three fighters were taken into custody, but not arrested. They have been banned from attending the U.S. Open until 2013.
And in case you’re wondering, Djokovic went on to win the match.
Check out both videos and drop us comment with your thoughts. Team Pedevill or Team Falco/Burnett?
WARNING: Strong language and violence.