‘Good-Looking’ Iguana & No. 1 Promposal: Memorable Off-Court Moments In Miami

From Jim Courier’s first ‘Sunshine Double’ and Andre Agassi’s six titles to the birth of the rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the Miami Open presented by Itau has delivered highlight after highlight since its inaugural tournament in 1985. But the good memories from this Masters 1000 tournament extend beyond the court. 

We take a walk down memory lane and relive four fun moments from the past four years…

2019: Federer’s Favourite Child
Roger Federer has done countless interviews over the years, but he faced probably the toughest question at all from #NextGenATP reporter Miomir Kecmanovic on media day in Miami. 

“We all know you have four kids. We want to know which one is your favourite,” asked Kecmanovic.

Federer, father to twin girls Charlene and Myla and boys Leo and Lenny, laughed as he replied, “Cheeky question, huh? Good one! I’ve actually never been asked!”

2018: Tiafoe Undercover
Does that ticket scanner look familiar? Eagle-eyed fans entering Crandon Park got an unexpected surprise when they found Frances Tiafoe scanning them in. “You are a champion!” said one man. “This is not your job,” said another woman. “Good game last night!”

But not all the spectators were as observant. Wearing a cap and sunglasses, the young American managed to fool a number of people… 

2017: Iguana In The House
The score was tied 3-3 in the third set, with Tommy Haas set to serve to Jiri Vesely during their first-round match, when an iguana climbed to the top of a baseline scoreboard and rested at the best seat on Court 1. “It’s a big one,” said the umpire. Officials tried to shoo the reptile away with a towel, but he refused to budge.

With play temporarily suspended, Haas walked over and snapped a selfie with the animal. “It’s nice for him to stop by. Good-looking iguana,” said the veteran, who was making his final appearance in Miami.

Eventually, though, the iguana’s fun in the sun ended, but not before a victory lap. The reptile pranced around and across the court, sprinting to the opposite baseline as the fans cheered.

2016: The World’s Best Promposal?
It may be difficult to beat this promposal from one young fan, who enlisted the help of Novak Djokovic in Miami. As the World No. 1 finished up a practice session, the fan hung over the railings with a sign, “Nole, would you please help me with my ‘promposal'”. 

Djokovic was happy to assist, promptly pulling the fan from the crowd. “Rebecca, will you go to prom with Ricardo,” he asked, giving her a choice of two tennis balls — one with Y for yes and N for no.

“I’ll remember it, and I hope they do too,” said Djokovic. “I hope they have a nice time at prom.”

Due to the global outbreak of COVID-19, the 2020 Miami Open presented by Itau will not proceed as scheduled.