A pivotal moment in the US Open men's final left organisers a little red-faced and rattled Novak Djokovic just as the world number one threatened to get a crucial break point against eventual champion Daniil Medvedev.
Medvedev completely steamrolled Djokovic in the US Open final to claim his first grand slam title in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. But in the second set things may have gone very differently.
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Djokovic had a shocking start to the match and was broken in the opening game. He struggled to find his rhythm or get out of second gear. However in the second set he looked to be on the verge of mounting a comeback.
He tested Medvedev more, pushing games to deuce, but missed a few chances to convert break points when he was up 2-1, with the advantage.
The Serb was on the verge of taking a 3-1 lead in the second set by winning the point and must have sensed an opportunity to pounce when Medvedev missed his first serve.
But he was completely thrown when the umpire called a let due to an extraordinary interruption as music played loudly and suddenly mid-point from the speakers at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The let call allowed Medvedev to have another first serve attempt having already missed his first serve before the music started playing.
"That wasn't one of the fans, that was through the speakers at Arthur Ashe Stadium," tennis analyst Darren Cahill said on ESPN.
Djokovic shook his head, put his hands on his hips and looked frustrated at the chair umpire as he returned to the baseline. The crowd also booed at the gaffe.
"It's first serve for Medvedev that's why Djokovic is understandably upset," ESPN commentator Patrick McEnroe said of the moment when music blared over the PA.
"Somebody just lost their job for next year."
"Oh Patrick's tough up here!" tennis legend John McEnroe added.
"The crowd is booing."
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From there Medvedev was able to hold serve and then broke Djokovic in the very next game to swing momentum back his way.
The missed opportunity didn't go down well with Djokovic, smashing his racquet into pieces to massive cheers from the New York fans.
Medvedev won the second set 6-4 and continued his stunning form in the third set to win the match and deny Djokovic his 21st grand slam title.
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