In an unprecedented scene at the Miami Open, Argentine tennis player Francisco Comesana shocked spectators when he lit a cigarette during his qualifying match against American Michael Mmoh. The 24-year-old not only took a smoke break between sets but also brazenly asked the umpire for a lighter, creating one of the most unusual moments in recent tennis history18.
The Smoking Incident
After winning the opening set against Mmoh, Comesana casually returned to his courtside seat during the break and pulled out a cigarette. In a moment that left spectators stunned, he then turned to the umpire and asked, “Excuse me, do you have a light?”12. Predictably, the official did not accommodate this unusual request8.
What makes this incident particularly remarkable is that it occurred during an official ATP tournament, where professional conduct is strictly enforced. The Miami Open, currently in its 40th edition, is classified as an ATP Masters 1000 event on the 2025 ATP Tour and a WTA 1000 event on the 2025 WTA Tour4, making it one of the most prestigious tournaments outside the Grand Slams.
Comesana’s Tournament Performance
Despite—or perhaps because of—his unconventional mid-match habit, Comesana went on to defeat Mmoh in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 6-428. His success continued in the second qualifying round where he overcame Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki 7-6 (7-4), 7-5, securing his place in the main draw of the tournament12.
However, Comesana’s lucky streak came to an end in the first round of the main event. He faced 17-year-old Italian rising star Federico Cina and lost in two closely contested sets, both decided by tie-breaks: 6-7 (4-7), 6-7 (2-7)15. This match was particularly significant as Cina made history by becoming the first player born in 2007 to win a match at an ATP 1000 tournament12.
Who is Francisco Comesana?
Francisco Comesana, born on October 6, 2000, in Mar del Plata, Argentina, is a professional tennis player with a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 67, achieved in February 20255. His journey to professional tennis began at the age of six, and he has since established himself on the ATP Tour.
Comesana’s career has seen some notable highlights, including:
- His first ATP semifinal at the 2025 Rio Open, where he upset world No. 2 Alexander Zverev5
- Reaching the third round at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 20245
- Winning multiple Challenger titles, including tournaments in Corrientes, Buenos Aires, Vicenza, and Liberec5
The cigarette incident at the Miami Open adds another distinctive chapter to his developing career story.
Tennis Code of Conduct and Etiquette
The smoking incident raises questions about tennis etiquette and the sport’s code of conduct. Tennis has strict rules governing player behavior during matches, with penalties for violations that can escalate from warnings to point penalties, game penalties, and even disqualification9.
Common code violations in tennis include:
- Racket abuse
- Audible obscenity
- Unsportsmanlike conduct
- Ball abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Visible obscenity
- Time violations9
While smoking during a match is not explicitly mentioned in most tennis codes of conduct, it could potentially fall under unsportsmanlike conduct or behavior that “damages the image and integrity of tennis”11.
The Miami Open Tournament
The 2025 Miami Open is being played from March 18 to March 30 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida4. This prestigious tournament has a rich history dating back to 1985 when it was first known as the Lipton International Players Championship3.
Over the years, the tournament has grown in stature and is now considered one of the premier events in professional tennis outside the Grand Slams. The current edition features 96 players in the singles draw, with 48 in the qualifying rounds and 32 doubles teams4.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Name | 2025 Miami Open |
| Dates | March 18-30, 2025 |
| Edition | 40th |
| Category | ATP Masters 1000 (ATP) WTA 1000 (WTA) |
| Surface | Hard – outdoor |
| Location | Miami Gardens, Florida, United States |
| Venue | Hard Rock Stadium |
| Men’s Singles Champion (2024) | Jannik Sinner (not defending) |
| Women’s Singles Champion (2024) | Danielle Collins |
Public and Media Reaction
The image of a professional tennis player smoking during a match has naturally drawn significant attention from both the media and tennis fans. The incident stands out particularly because smoking during athletic competition is extremely rare in modern professional sports, where health and fitness are paramount.
While the ATP has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, it remains to be seen whether Comesana will face any disciplinary action for his unconventional courtside behavior.
Historical Context of Smoking in Tennis
In earlier eras of tennis, smoking was not uncommon among players. Tennis legends like Bill Tilden were known to smoke during changeovers in the early 20th century. However, as the sport has become more physically demanding and health-conscious, smoking has virtually disappeared from professional tennis.
Comesana’s cigarette break represents a throwback to a bygone era, making it all the more surprising in today’s professional environment.
FAQ About the Incident and Tennis Etiquette
Is smoking allowed during tennis matches?
While there’s no specific rule prohibiting smoking during breaks in play, it falls under unsportsmanlike conduct and behavior that could damage the image of tennis11.
Has this happened before in professional tennis?
Smoking during matches was more common in early tennis history but has become extremely rare in modern professional tennis.
Could Comesana face penalties for smoking during the match?
Potentially, as the ATP could consider it under unsportsmanlike conduct, though no official penalties have been announced yet.
What are the standard penalties for code violations in tennis?
- First offense: Warning
- Second offense: Loss of a point
- Third (and subsequent) offense: Loss of a game
- After the third offense, possible disqualification9
Did the cigarette break affect Comesana’s performance?
Interestingly, Comesana won his match against Mmoh after the cigarette break, suggesting it didn’t negatively impact his performance12.
Who is Federico Cina, the player who defeated Comesana?
Federico Cina is a 17-year-old Italian tennis player who made history as the first player born in 2007 to win a match at an ATP 1000 tournament. He comes from a tennis-oriented family and is coached by his father Francesco, a former coach to Roberto Vinci1.
Conclusion
Francisco Comesana’s mid-match cigarette at the 2025 Miami Open will likely be remembered as one of the most unusual moments in recent tennis history. While his unconventional break didn’t prevent him from winning that particular match, it raises interesting questions about player conduct, tournament rules, and the evolving standards of professionalism in tennis.
As the sport continues to emphasize athleticism, fitness, and professional conduct, Comesana’s throwback to a different era of tennis stands out as a remarkable anomaly in the modern game. Whether this incident leads to any rule clarifications or changes remains to be seen, but it has certainly provided tennis fans with a memorable moment from the 2025 Miami Open.
