WATCH NOW: Mischievous Iguana Halts Play At Miami Open

KEY BISCAYNE, FL — What would you do if you were playing in one of the most important tennis tournaments of the year and a large iguana suddenly appeared on top of the court-side electronic scoreboard?

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In Miami, your first reaction would most likely be to take a selfie with the critter, at least once you've assured yourself that you weren't being pranked by Geico.

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That's precisely how veteran German tennis star Tommy Haas handled the scaly visitor at Wednesday's first round Miami Open match.

The creature made his rather dramatic appearance with the score tied at three games apiece in the critical third and determining set of the match.

"If it's not moving, and it's just like that, we're going to try and play because we cannot stop," ruled the chair umpire.

While such sightings may be common in South Florida, they may not be in places like, say the Czech Republic, where Hass' 23-year-old opponent hailed from.

And Jiří Veselý wasn't about to turn his 6 foot 6 inch, 203-pound frame on the menacing iguana to return Haas' serve despite assurances from the official that he would keep an eye peeled for the mischievous reptile.

"I cannot concentrate," Veselý protested, refusing to budge from his chair until someone handled the uninvited spectator.

The official broadcast of the ATP World Tour seemed to welcome the programming change and proceeded to carry a play-by-play as officials chased the intruder from its costly perch.

"Oh. It's on the court now eh. Coming down the scoreboard. Oh wow," crowed one commentator.

"Oh goodness me," added his broadcast colleague with a UK accent. "This is incredible. He's making a run for it."

More precisely, the iguana was waddling across the court albeit at an impressive clip.

"Open the gate. buckets. Buckets," instructed the umpire. "Open the gate."

Attempting to put the incident in its proper perspective, one of the announcers summed it up like this: "Well, history being made here at the Miami Open in the form of an iguana."

The 38-year-old Haas posted his "special selfie" on Instagram and even thanked the iguana for stopping by to watch him play in what was expected to be his final singles match at the Miami Open.

Unfortunately, the iguana was more fun for Haas than good luck. Haas lost the match.

Video and image courtesy of the official channel of the ATP World Tour via YouTube