In an unprecedented incident in the world of professional tennis, Francisco Comesana, the Argentine tennis phenom, sparked a cigarette mid-match during the Miami Open, audaciously requesting the umpire to provide a light. The incident occurred during a qualifying match against American tennis player, Michael Mmoh.
The 24-year-old Argentine, after clinching the first set against Mmoh, retreated to his courtside seat for a quick nicotine fix. His audacity didn’t end there; he had the gumption to inquire if the umpire could help him light his cigarette. The umpire, predictably, was unfazed by the unorthodox request.
Ironically, the cigarette seemed to serve as a good luck charm for Comesana. He proceeded to outperform Mmoh in straight sets, scoring a 6-3, 6-4 victory and advancing to the second qualifying match. His lucky streak continued as he triumphed over Shintaro Mochizuki, the Japanese tennis prodigy, with a 7-6 (7-4), 7-5 victory, thereby securing his place in the main draw.
Despite his controversial courtside antics, Comesana’s tournament run came to an abrupt halt in the first round proper. He faced off against teenage sensation, Federico Cina, and despite a spirited performance, Comesana fell to the young Italian, ending the match with a 6-7 (4-7), 6-7 (2-7) scoreline.
Cina’s victory was not just another win; it solidified his place in tennis history. He became the first player born in 2007 to secure a win in an ATP 1000 tournament. Reflecting on his monumental victory, Cina said, “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.”
Hailing from a family of tennis enthusiasts, and coached by his father Francesco, an ex-coach to Italian tennis luminary Roberta Vinci, Cina has been groomed for tennis greatness. Francesco, who also operates a tennis academy in Palermo, proudly spoke about his son, saying, “Federico really likes this life and doesn’t feel the pressure at the moment; he enjoys doing what he loves.”
Francesco also highlighted Federico’s preference for hard courts and the need to enhance his serve, confident that physical growth would aid in this aspect. He praised Federico’s improving forehand, while acknowledging his two-handed backhand as his strongest shot.
On the horizon for Cina is the biggest match of his burgeoning career, set to face Grigor Dimitrov in Miami on Friday. This matchup is sure to be a momentous one, as the young Italian continues his ascent in the world of professional tennis.