The feline didn’t have any problems getting through security at the Qatar Open before it surprisingly made its way on to court.

The cat was chased after trotting on court in the second set. (Image: Sky Sports Tennis)

Tennis fans are well vested in the terms ‘rain delays’ and ‘bad light stops play’ when it comes to professional matches, but not even an indoor arena would have been able to cope with what held up one match at the Qatar Open on Tuesday.

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka suffered a shock defeat to Ekaterina Alexandrova at the WTA 1000 event in Doha, but the result wasn’t the only talking point.

The three-time Grand Slam champion had already taken the first set 6-3 and at 2-2 in the second, had forced a break point.

But just as Alexandrova was about to serve, the players were joined on court by a curious visitor.

A small cat appeared on the surface, casually making its way around the net as Sabalenka smiled broadly. After being chased by a steward, the animal simply skipped away before disappearing behind one of the advertising hoardings.

The lead commentator was also amused, analysing the interruption as he explained: “Oh hello, we have a visitor. Kitty. Let’s see how this eventually plays out. Oh, found its way off the court, obviously.”

Footage of the incident soon made its way to social media, and fans online were quick to join in with the fun. On X, @zedebo wrote: “Rename it The Cat-Arr Open,” while @STST1220883 added: “He’s a Cat Gut salesman.”

Aryna Sabalenka saw the funny side. (Image: Getty)

The cat’s appearance didn’t seem to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm. She duly secured the break and looked well set to go on and complete a routine victory.

But it was then that Russian player Alexandrova got her claws into the contest. The world No.26 broke back twice before levelling the match, before going on to hold her nerve in a final set tie-breaker for a 3-6 6-3 7-6 win.

It was Sabalenka’s second defeat of 2024, having failed to defend her Australian Open title last month after losing in the final to Madison Keys. That had followed her winning the Brisbane International at the start of the year, and also claiming a maiden US Open title last September.

But she wasn’t the only big name player to go out yesterday. Coco Gauff was beaten 6-2 7-5 by Marta Kostyuk, the world No.3 made to pay for producing seven double faults and 39 unforced errors.

The results have seemingly opened up the tournament. Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina went through with a 6-2 6-4 win against American Peyton Stearns, while Jasmine Paolini beat Caroline Garcia 6-3 6-4.