Plane shadow sparks confusion at French Open

Television viewers were left scratching their head after the shadow of a plane flying backwards appeared over the court at Roland Garros during Serena Williams’ French Open match against Sloane Stephens.

Like an old X-Files mystery, the shadow was picked up by cameras travelling from right to left at the back of the court.

The footage immediately set social media alight with conspiracy theories as viewers tried to work out an explanation.

But rather than any bizarre phenomenon or mirror imagery, there was a simple answer.

The shadow was in fact cast by an overhead camera, much like the spidercam used at ANZ Stadium, which run along a wire across the court.

As for the plane shape – it is a prop sponsored by Emirates.