Play was suspended at the Miami Open during Gael Monfils' round-of-16 match against Sebastian Korda after the Frenchman requested the stadium lights be turned on.
With the score level at 1-1 in the third and final set, dark clouds filled the sky over Miami's Hard Rock venue, leaving visibility severely reduced.
What should have been a simple request turned into a lengthy delay as officials struggled to illuminate the court.
The tennis court is built inside the regular Hard Rock Stadium, creating a unique "stadium-within-a-stadium" setup.
The high surroundings of this iconic venue meant there was barely any light left on the court as the clouds darkened.
"It's very dark and it makes sense if you're going to change the match conditions," remarked Sky Sports commentator Jonathan Overend.
The unusual configuration of the venue complicated what should have been a routine lighting adjustment.
Chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani used his walkie-talkie to request illumination for the stadium, but was informed it would take more than 10 minutes for the lights to be switched on.
"This is a frustrating delay for all involved," said Sky Sports commentator Colin Fleming. "I'm a little surprised at how lenient they've been. Pretty much allowing Gael Monfils to dictate things here."
The supervisor eventually appeared, confirming a further five-minute wait before play could resume.
Jonathan Overend branded the situation "really embarrassing" and later "a joke".
Korda was given permission to temporarily leave the court during the delay, but in a twist of timing, the lights suddenly came on during his absence.
This forced Monfils to wait even longer for his opponent's return before play could finally resume.
"It's a farcical situation, isn't it?" Fleming commented. "Couldn't get the floodlights on and then you let one of the players go so there's another delay once you do get the lights on."
The match eventually restarted almost 13 minutes after the initial request.
Monfils completed a trouble-free service game when play resumed, but Korda soon took control in the final set, establishing a 4-3 advantage.
The American then requested a medical time-out for treatment on his right wrist.
As the medical staff tended to Korda, light rain began to fall on the court.
Despite Lahyani initially deeming the surface safe to continue, the conditions quickly deteriorated.
In the first point after the medical break, Monfils skidded on the increasingly slippery surface.
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The rain intensified, forcing another suspension of play.
As the players packed their bags and headed off for shelter, Korda demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship.
He agreed to replay the point that had just been contested because of the dangerous conditions on court.
The gesture came at a crucial moment with Korda leading 4-3 in the deciding set.
Tennis fans on social media expressed frustration with the tournament organisation, with one calling the lighting delay "ridiculous" and another labelling the Miami Open "a joke".
Find Out More...
With the score level at 1-1 in the third and final set, dark clouds filled the sky over Miami's Hard Rock venue, leaving visibility severely reduced.
What should have been a simple request turned into a lengthy delay as officials struggled to illuminate the court.
The tennis court is built inside the regular Hard Rock Stadium, creating a unique "stadium-within-a-stadium" setup.
The high surroundings of this iconic venue meant there was barely any light left on the court as the clouds darkened.
"It's very dark and it makes sense if you're going to change the match conditions," remarked Sky Sports commentator Jonathan Overend.
The unusual configuration of the venue complicated what should have been a routine lighting adjustment.
Chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani used his walkie-talkie to request illumination for the stadium, but was informed it would take more than 10 minutes for the lights to be switched on.
"This is a frustrating delay for all involved," said Sky Sports commentator Colin Fleming. "I'm a little surprised at how lenient they've been. Pretty much allowing Gael Monfils to dictate things here."
The supervisor eventually appeared, confirming a further five-minute wait before play could resume.
Jonathan Overend branded the situation "really embarrassing" and later "a joke".
Korda was given permission to temporarily leave the court during the delay, but in a twist of timing, the lights suddenly came on during his absence.
This forced Monfils to wait even longer for his opponent's return before play could finally resume.
"It's a farcical situation, isn't it?" Fleming commented. "Couldn't get the floodlights on and then you let one of the players go so there's another delay once you do get the lights on."
The match eventually restarted almost 13 minutes after the initial request.
Monfils completed a trouble-free service game when play resumed, but Korda soon took control in the final set, establishing a 4-3 advantage.
The American then requested a medical time-out for treatment on his right wrist.
As the medical staff tended to Korda, light rain began to fall on the court.
Despite Lahyani initially deeming the surface safe to continue, the conditions quickly deteriorated.
In the first point after the medical break, Monfils skidded on the increasingly slippery surface.
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SPORTSMANSHIP
As rain intervenes, @SebiKorda tells @Gael_Monfils they can replay the last point. #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/j2xmHVzvuN
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 25, 2025
The rain intensified, forcing another suspension of play.
As the players packed their bags and headed off for shelter, Korda demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship.
He agreed to replay the point that had just been contested because of the dangerous conditions on court.
The gesture came at a crucial moment with Korda leading 4-3 in the deciding set.
Tennis fans on social media expressed frustration with the tournament organisation, with one calling the lighting delay "ridiculous" and another labelling the Miami Open "a joke".
Find Out More...