News / News Bulletin

Iguana stops play, runs on court at Miami Open

Thursday, 23 March 2017 10:05 AM [ Last Update: Thursday, 23 March 2017 10:05 AM ]

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Tennnis players are used to being interrupted on court by noises from the crowd and bad weather conditions amongst others. But you’d be surprised to see how a reptile found itself at the center of attention at the Miami Open.

Germany's Tommy Haas was playing Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic when their first-round match was interrupted by an iguana. The little critter suddenly appeared on the courtside scoreboard before it ran into the court while tournament staff desperately tried to catch it. Haas even managed a selfie with the creature before the match resumed. Jiri Vesely eventually went on to beat Haas 6-7 6-3 7-5.

Elsewhere, Italy's Fabio Fognini has edged past American Ryan Harrison in 6-4, 7-5 to advance to the second round of the event.

Fognini earned an early break in the first set. However, it was Harrison who got off to a fast start in the second, taking a 3-0 lead. But a tight game at 5-5 saw Fognini break again and was able to maintain his composure to reach the second round. He will next face Joao Sousa of Portugal in round two.

Meanwhile, Viktor Troicki of Serbia is also through to the second round of the Miami open after a straight sets victory over Brazilian native Thiago Monteiro.

The world Number 38 came from a set down to overcome Monteiro 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 after almost two hours on court, which yielded four break points. Troicki will next face Canadian Milos Raonic.

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