"Best impression of peak 1970's tennis": Francisco Comesana lights cigarette courtside at Miami Open and asks umpire for lighter
ATP
Francisco Comesana was that desperate for a cigarette that he sparked up courtside at the Miami Open and even more bizarrely asked the umpire for a lighter.
Comesana had been facing off against Michael Mmoh in a qualifying match when he was spotted taking a drag on a cigarette. He won the first set before retiring to his chair for a cigarette break. “Excuse me, do you have a light," he said to the umpire.
The umpire though didn't take the bait of a reply and remained unmoved. It was a good omen for Comesana though as he went on to beat Mmoh in straight sets securing a 6-3, 6-4 win.
He progressed into the second qualifying match which he also won, this time against Shintaro Mochizuki. Comesana also beat the Japanese ace 7-6, 7-5 into the main draw.
With a cigarette in his holster, Comesana was ready to attack the main draw but he met his match in rising teenage sensation Federico Cina. Cina needed deciding sets in both to win 6-7(3), 6-7 (5).
Cina made history as the first player born in 2007 to win at an ATP 1000 tournament, with the Italian battling cramp and the finishing line. But Comesana won't be lighting anymore cigarettes this week in Miami.
“I’m very happy. It was very difficult. But I’m very happy to win. I started the match very good, played a very good tie-break. Then in the second set, I was [ahead] 5-2, then I got cramps. But it was very good to stay there every point," he said.
Comesaña giving his best impression of peak 1970s tennis pic.twitter.com/rBgJ1PrLHh
— Raz (@RazOlsRF) March 20, 2025
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.
mandoist31-10-2026 - Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
- Lena... Takin' care of businessmandoist25-10-2026
- Can you please stop publishing this nonsense? Stick to Tennis.mandoist25-10-2026
- Does Sinner need that 4.5 mil? I doubt it. He can make that with three modelling gigs!😅🤣Rapunzel21-10-2026
- Did "People Magazine" purchase this website? This nonstop storyline is bullshit.mandoist21-10-2026
- Listen... this is of no concern to anyone but these two. Deal with your own issues -- most of us have our own. Thanks, media, for these insignificant follow-ups which are meaningless.mandoist21-10-2026
