Swarm of Bees Disrupts W100 Bengaluru Open Match

During the second-round match of the W100 Bengaluru Open on February 19, 2026, a swarm of honey bees invaded the S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru, India, prompting players and spectators to flee for safety. Australian top seed Talia Gibson and India’s Sahaja Yamalapalli were in the midst of their match when the incident occurred, leading to a temporary suspension of play for approximately 20 minutes.

New York PostThe Straits Times

The chaos began when a ball boy alerted the players and the chair umpire about the bees. As the swarm approached, both players, along with a ball boy and a ball girl, quickly exited the court, followed by the umpire. Spectators also evacuated their seats in response to the unexpected situation. The match resumed shortly after the disruption, with Gibson ultimately winning in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0, to advance to the quarterfinals.

New York Post

The S.M. Krishna Tennis Stadium is situated within Cubbon Park, a large urban park in Bengaluru known for its extensive greenery, featuring over 8,000 trees across nearly 200 acres. This environment may contribute to the presence of bees in the area, as the park provides a natural habitat.

The Straits Times

Reports indicate that the incident was managed promptly, with officials ensuring the safety of players and spectators. The quick response from the chair umpire and the ball crew was crucial in averting potential harm during the disruption.

The Straits Times

While there have been no formal criticisms reported regarding the incident, the unexpected nature of the swarm raises questions about safety protocols at outdoor sporting events, particularly in venues surrounded by natural habitats.

The Straits Times

• “Krishna tennis stadium was abuzz with more than aces and winners as players and spectators alike had to run for cover as a swarm of honey bees invaded the arena during the ITF Bengaluru Open, Indian media reports said on Thursday.” — Indian media report

The Straits Times

• “The W100 ITF tour match resumed a short time later, with Gibson blanking out Yamalapalli 6-0 6-0 in less than an hour.” — Indian media report

The Straits Times

Following the incident, the tournament organizers may review safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring that both players and spectators can enjoy the matches without unexpected interruptions.

The Straits Times