Play had to be suspended at the French Open when a long rectangular side panel fell on to the crowd at Roland Garros.

Three spectators were injured after a large piece of metal came down in high winds on Court Philippe Chatrier during the quarter-final between Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France and Kei Nishikori of Japan.

One man was seen being led away by medical staff holding his right wrist but was able to wave to the crowd.

Reports said the panelling came from a giant TV screen used to project match scores and television highlights, although the tennis authorities later described it as falling from the scoreboard.

Security guards evacuated 200 spectators from their seats while the back of the giant screen was inspected.

Meanwhile an ambulance arrived in the tunnel below the stadium to treat spectators injured from the incident.

Spectators helped lift the wreckage away with Tsonga one set up and leading 5-2 in the second with play being held up for around 40 minutes before it resumed.

A Roland Garros statement read: “A sheet of metal fell from the scoreboard on to members of the public, three of whom sustained minor injuries.”