Both Naomi Osaka and opponent Antonia Ruzic refused to continue their first-round match at the Australian Open when it was suddenly interrupted by a technical problem with the net lights. The incident occurred at a crucial point in the second set and caused a long delay after both players told the umpire they would not play until it was fixed.

Osaka was one set up, but with opponent Ruzic 5-3 up in the second and serving for the set. During the game, with the score at deuce, it was noticed that the red lights at either end of the net remained on. The umpire raised the issue and spoke to both players about it as she called the match supervisor.

The lights are a new addition and used as a visual cue to indicate that the ball has been hit out of the court. While the problem wasn't originally noticed, once it had been flagged, the umpire explained the situation.

She suggested that the match continue while the problem was sorted out, but neither player was keen on the suggestion. Instead, the match was suspended while electricians rushed in to fix the issue.

Speaking over the microphone, the umpire said: "Just to confirm now, the ball was in, the lights are still on but they are working on it to switch it off.

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"Are you OK with it, to continue? (players respond no) "OK, we wait then."

When asked how long it will take to fix, the umpire responded with: "I don't have information about that."

Reacting to the situation as it was happening TNT Sports commentator Naomi Broady said: "Both players understandably saying they would rather not play with the lights...

"They were turned on before the point began but I don't think either player had noticed until the point had finished."

After a delay of around five minutes, the lights on the net went off. The match quickly continued with Ruzic winning the game to take the second set and take the match to a deciding set.

The Croatian looked to be closing in on a shock victory, having broken Osaka twice in the third set. But both times, the Japanese player broke back, eventually recording a 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 win.

Even before the match, Osaka caused a stir with her choice of walk-on outfit. She made her way onto the court in a blue tie-dye tracksuit jacket and white tracksuit bottoms.

Her outfit also included a white umbrella and a wide-brimmed hat with a net veil. Reacting to the outfit, TNT Sports pundit Laura Robson said: "I think we have to really soak in this moment. It's a vibe.

"She really does help design her walk-on outfits, the whole look has been thought out. Can she even see in that? I am not sure.

"I can't wait for the crowd to see her walk out in this because it is phenomenal. I think that Ruzic is thinking she's a bit underdressed!

"We just saw the warm-up jacket but this is phenomenal. Wow, I love it, this is a moment. Who has got her tennis bag is my question."