When playing tennis, there’s a whole load of things to consider – nailing that forehand, smashing the serve, avoiding iguanas on court…wait, what was that last one?
Well, that’s exactly what happened yesterday when an iguana invaded the court of Tommy Haas’s Miami Open match against Jiri Vesely. It popped up on the scoreboard, seemingly keen to get a look in on the first-round action.
when you REALLY want to find out what the score is of the Tommy Haas match pic.twitter.com/uVax0KsTrg
— Ricky Dimon (@Dimonator) March 22, 2017
Whilst most people seemed just a bit irritated by this unexpected addition to the match, Haas saw it as a golden opportunity.
Iggy, Iggy, Iggy, can't you see?
Keep off the tennis court, please. pic.twitter.com/7WaG5kaUDV— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 22, 2017
For what? For a selfie, of course.
What a moment. @TommyHaas13 takes a selfie with the giant lizard that joined him on the court at the @MiamiOpen. pic.twitter.com/ckOkWaigOU
— Andrew John (@Andrew_L_John) March 22, 2017
We can't wait to see how this selfie turned out @TommyHaas13 ??#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/4B6Ym74ekz
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 22, 2017
And here is the glorious selfie itself.
But that’s more than enough posing for the camera, look at the iguana scamper across the court!
Iguana be like you!
An unusual on-court streaker interrupts play… #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/MgAZ1PruGs
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 22, 2017
Organisers really did seem to have a fair bit of trouble catching the lizard, who becomes quite the court celeb.
Haas vs. Iguana pic.twitter.com/5GkD4MC05Z
— Ricky Dimon (@Dimonator) March 22, 2017
Iguana comes up short in the Long Jump at the @MiamiOpen Track and Field Championships pic.twitter.com/evWoTU5tz0
— Ricky Dimon (@Dimonator) March 22, 2017
Some people just couldn’t get over how huge the iguana was.
This is not an iguana, it is a mini dinosaur https://t.co/0wlmaIRZ7V
— Megan Cassidy (@MeganCassidy) March 22, 2017
OH MY GOD
Is this a thing that happens in Florida? Giant lizards running amuck on a daily basis?
Its FEET. Dear god, its feet. https://t.co/wf44vSy8AL
— Hannah Wilks (@newballsplease) March 22, 2017
But most were just impressed by the strong performance the critter put on.
Best iguana I've ever seen in my life tbh. Very assertive, calm under pressure, good movement. Hope it comes back next yr #miamiopen #tennis
— Codrut (@CodrutBaciu) March 22, 2017
All these hours @BBCEarth spent on filming animals in harsh conditions, they could have just come to the @MiamiOpen. #PlanetEarth3InMiami
— Yawo Ihougan (@YIhougan) March 23, 2017
Let’s hope it makes it through to the next round.